Combine 2 cups of the flour and the yeast. Add warm water, 3 tbsp of the sugar, and 1 tsp of salt. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Using a spoon, stir in as much remaining flour as you can.

Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough reamining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6-8 min total). Cover; let rest 10 min. Working quickly, divide dough into 12 portions. ***Shape each into a smooth ball. Punch a hole in the center of each ball.

Pull dough gently to make a 2" hole, keeping bagel uniformly shaped.*** Place on a greased baking sheet. Cover; let rise 20 min.

Broil raised bagels about 5" from heat for 3-4 min, turning once (tops should not brown). Meanwhile, in a 12" skillet or 4 1/2 qt. Dutch oven bring 6 cups water and remaining 1 tbsp sugar to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer bagels, four or five at a time, for 7 min, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Place on well-greased baking sheet. Bake at 375x for 25 to 30 min ortill tops are golden brown.

Variations

Light Rye Bagels: Stir 1 tsp caraway seed in with the yeast. Substitute 1 1/2 cups rye flour for 1 1/2 cups of the stirred-in flour.

Herb Bagels: Stir 1 1/2 tsp dried basil, crushed; 1 1/2 tsp dried dillweed; or 1-1 1/2 tsp garlic powder in with the yeast.

Onion Bagels: Stir 2 tbsp dried minced onion and, if desired, 2 tbsp cooked bacon pieces into the flour with the yeast.

Whole Wheat Bagels: Substitute 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour for 1 1/2 cups of the stirred-in flour. Add 3/4 cup of raisins if desired.

to form the bagels.