Chewy Bagels

• 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (100-110°F)
• 2 and 3/4 teaspoons active yeast
• 4 cups (520g) Niobrara Grain and Milling bread flour
• 1 Tablespoon sugar 
• 2 teaspoons salt

For boiling:

• 2 quarts boiling water
• 1/4 cup honey

Egg wash:

• 1 egg white beaten beaten with 1 tablespoon of water.

Directions: 

1. Whisk the warm water, sugar and yeast together in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Cover and allow to sit for 5 minutes until foamy. 
2. Add the salt and 1 cup of flour at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides. Beat on low speed for 2 minutes. Then beat an additional 10 minutes. Dough should be smooth. 
3. Lightly grease a bowl, add dough, cover and let rise until doubled in a warm area (about 90-120 minutes). 
4. Punch down and let rest for 10 minutes.
5. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll into tight ball, sealing the edges. 
6. Press your finger through the center for a hole about 2 inches. Place on tray and cover for 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 425°F.
8. Prepare water bath adding honey to 2 quarts of water. Bring to a boil.
9. Place bagels in water, boil 1-2 minutes each side then place on parchment lined tray. 
10. Brush each bagel with egg wash. Sprinkle with your favorite toppings: everything bagel, poppyseeds or sesame seeds. 
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.