Montreal-Style Bagels

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups water (for boiling)
• 3 tablespoons honey (for boiling)
• 1 cup sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Add warm water and vegetable oil to dry ingredients and mix until dough forms.
3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each into a tight ball.
7. Poke a hole through the center of each ball with your thumb and stretch it to form a ring about 3 inches in diameter.
8. Bring 4 cups of water and 3 tablespoons honey to a boil in a large pot.
9. Boil bagels in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until they puff slightly, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a towel.
10. Place boiled bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. If desired, dip the tops of bagels in sesame seeds or poppy seeds to coat.
12. Bake bagels for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
13. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before serving.