Apple Streusel Bagels

I am blessed. Those three little words are PACKED, and they are an understatement of my gratitude. My hubby and I attended a wedding this past weekend at which both of our daughters were a part of the ceremony. One was a bridesmaid; the other sang. As our Hope walked down the aisle, I couldn't help but think of how grateful I was that, four years ago, she married a wonderful man. As our Kate sang a gorgeous song about commitment, I could only think of how she, too, had committed her life and love to an absolutely super guy. And though our son wasn't present, my thoughts traveled in his direction, too, and I uttered a silent "thank you" for the amazing young lady he is happily married to. What more could a parent ask for?

This coming weekend will be a happy celebration, too. Hope's husband will graduate from law school. His hard work, long hours of studying and his exemplary dedication to "running the race well" will be acknowledged by family and friends. We're attending the festivities. I thought I'd bring something along that everyone could enjoy one morning we're together. I'm thinking these bagels will hit the mark - they're fun to make, beautiful and absolutely delish!! Definitely worthy of a celebration. And you can bet while I'm making them, I'll be counting my blessings!

Apple Streusel Bagels

Bagel:

1 Cup apple cider or apple juice, warmed

1 packet/Tbsp. Red Star Platinum yeast 

2 ½ - 3 Cups unbleached all-purpose flour

2 Tbsp. butter

2 Tbsp. brown sugar, packed

1 ½ tsp. apple pie spice * ("make your own" recipe follows)

½ tsp. salt

1 apple, peeled, cored and diced into small pieces

Topping:

2 Tbsp. softened butter

3 Tbsp. flour

¼ Cup brown sugar, packed

1/8 tsp. salt

1 beaten egg white, for brushing the bagels

Place warmed cider/apple juice in the EZ DOH bucket, along with the yeast. Stir to dissolve yeast and let sit 1 minute. Add 1 cup of flour, and then remaining bagel ingredients. EZ DOH-it, adding enough additional flour to make a smooth, not-sticky dough. Remove dough from the EZ DOH, spray the bucket and return dough to bucket. Cover and let rise until doubled.

Remove dough from bucket and divide into 8-12 equal-sized pieces. Form a ball with each piece by cupping your hand over the dough and rolling it gently on a lightly floured surface. Poke a hole in the center of each roll, then gently and evenly stretch the hole. Allow these to rise for 10 minutes.

Bring a large pot of water to boil. While waiting, mix the topping ingredients until crumbly. When the water boils, drop bagels in, 3-4 at a time, 30 seconds on each side. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bagels from the water and place on a paper towel to drain excess water. Place prepared bagels on a parchment-lined pan, brush with beaten egg whites and sprinkle with the topping. Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and baked thoroughly. Cool and enjoy! 

* To make your own apple pie spice, mix 4 teaspoons of cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of nutmeg and 1 tsp. of allspice. Tasty and easy! 

Apple Streusel Bagels