ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup warm water (100-110F)

• 2 tsp active dry yeast

• pinch of sugar

• 1 tsp liquid sweetener (like honey or agave syrup, can use sugar as well)

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• toppings

• olive oil

steps

1. In a small bowl, add the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Set aside for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a separate large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt. Mix with a whisk until well dispersed.

3. Add the yeast mixture into the flour in the large mixing bowl. Mix and knead until a round moist and firm ball of dough is formed. If too sticky, add a small amount of flour in at a time during kneading.

4. Drizzle some olive oil (not much is needed) into the mixing bowl before adding your dough back in. Use your dough to spread the olive oil evenly around the bowl to prevent sticking. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for ~1 hour or until double.

5. Punch the dough down and let rest 10 minutes.

6. Preheat oven to 425F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp of sugar or liquid sweetener into the water.

7. Prepare a baking tray with a sheet of parchment paper.

8. While waiting for water to boil, divide the dough into 8 pieces. For each piece, roughly knead into a smooth round ball and then form a hole in the center using your finger to create a ring shape. These will puff up so it's okay if you stretch out the hole a bit too large.

9. Gently place 2-3 rings into the boiling water at a time. Boil each side for 1-2 minutes (the longer, the chewier of a bagel it will create). Once done, place them on the baking tray and sprinkle toppings on immediately while hot. Repeat for all rings.

10. Bake for 20-23 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool 5-10 minutes before cutting (or enjoy hot like I did with some butter - so good). Enjoy!