Asiago Bagels

Ingredients

• 2 packages active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• About 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 pound asiago or parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg yolk

Preparation

1. 1. Combine yeast and 2 cups warm (110°) water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in sugar, salt, and 5 1/2 cups flour until moistened.
2. 2. Spread 1/2 cup flour on a board and scrape dough onto it. Knead dough until very smooth and elastic, 10 to 15 minutes; add more flour as required to prevent sticking.
3. 3. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 40 minutes.
4. 4. When dough is almost risen, bring 3 quarts water to boiling in a covered 4- to 5-quart pan over high heat.
5. 5. Meanwhile, knead dough on a lightly floured board to expel air, then divide into 12 equal pieces. To shape bagels, knead each piece into a smooth ball. Holding the ball with both hands, poke your thumbs through the center to form a hole. With 1 thumb in the hole, work around the bagel to make it smooth and evenly thick.
6. 6. Set bagels on lightly floured 12- by 15-inch baking sheets; let stand, covered with plastic wrap, just until they are slightly puffy, about 10 minutes.
7. 7. With your hand, gently slip bagels into boiling water, adding 4 at a time to pan. Adjust heat to maintain a gentle boil and turn bagels often until they feel firm but are still slightly spongy, 3 to 5 minutes. Chill remaining bagels until you are ready to boil them.
8. 8. With a slotted spoon, transfer bagels to a towel; drain briefly, then place bagels slightly apart on 2 lightly oiled 12- by 15-inch baking sheets.
9. 9. In a food processor or with a knife, coarsely chop cheese.
10. 10.Beat egg yolk to blend with 1 tablespoon water and brush mixture over bagels. Then pat cheese onto bagels, pressing gently to make the cheese stick.
11. 11. Bake bagels in a 375° oven until browned, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on racks. Serve warm or cool.
12. Nutritional analysis per bagel.