Bagels with butter and poppy seeds

Indulge in the warmth of freshly baked bagels, brushed with butter and adorned with crunchy poppy seeds. These delightful treats are perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack.

Ingredients:

- 25 grams butter, coarsely chopped

- 125 ml (1/2 cup) milk

- 1 tbsp caster sugar

- 1 tsp dried yeast

- 1 egg, separated

- 250 grams bread flour

- Poppy seeds for scattering

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, then add milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then heat until lukewarm and remove from heat.

2. Add yeast, stir until foamy (about 10 minutes), then whisk in egg white and 1/2 tsp salt.

3. Combine flour and yeast mixture in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes).

4. Cover with a tea towel and let it stand until doubled in size (30 minutes to 1 hour). Meanwhile, cut out six 10cm squares of baking paper, place them on an oven tray, and set aside.

5. Divide the dough into 6 pieces and, working with one piece at a time, roll it on a lightly floured surface into a ball. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour. Lightly dust your index finger with flour and push it through the center of the ball to make a hole. Spin the ball around your finger to enlarge the hole. Place each bagel on a square of baking paper, cover with a tea towel, and let them stand until slightly risen (15-20 minutes). Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil and preheat the oven to 200°C.

6. Carefully slide the bagels with paper attached into the boiling water in batches and simmer, turning once, until slightly puffed (20-30 seconds each side; remove the paper from the water and discard). Remove the bagels with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a tray lined with baking paper, leaving space between each.

7. Combine the egg yolk and 1 tsp water in a small bowl, brush it over the bagels, scatter with poppy seeds, and bake until golden (18-20 minutes). Set aside to cool.

Enjoy the comforting aroma and taste of homemade bagels, lovingly prepared and baked to perfection. Serve them warm and savor every bite of this delightful treat.