Apple Butter Bagels

I decided to make some bagels using some of last year's homemade canned apple butter.

Yield:

Approx. 20 bagels

Ingredients for dough:

2 c apple butter or apple sauce

1/2 - 1 c water

2-3 tsp yeast

7 c flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp olive oil

Other Ingredients:

8+ cups water

1/2 c sugar

1 egg

toppings such as course salt, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion flakes, etc.

Directions:

1) Add 1/2 cup of the apple butter, the olive oil, and enough water to bring it up to 1 cup. Mix thoroughly and add the yeast. Mix and let sit for five minutes.

2) Add the flour, salt, remaining apple butter, and the mix together in a large mixing bowl.

3) Knead on low for five to ten minutes. Add a few tablespoons of water as needed to get a firm, soft dough (heavier than you would a normal loaf).

4) Place dough in lightly-greased bowl and cover. Allow to rise 30 minutes to an hour or until doubled.

5) Place on un-floured surface and shape into balls of approximately 100 grams each. Poke a hole in each and spin around your finger to expand.

6) Allow to rise for only 30 minutes.

Water Bath:

7) Dissolve 1/2 cup of sugar into about 8 cups of water into a pot.

8) Bring boil to medium simmer.

9) Place formed bagel gently into water. Allow to cook one-two minutes on the first side, flip, and then cook one minute on the other side.

10) Remove from water and place on dry towel to drip. 

11) Place bagels on oiled parchment-lined baking sheets.

Top and Bake:

12) Brush each bagel lightly with a mix of egg and water.

13) If desired, add other toppings.

14) Bake in preheated oven at 400°F for 20-30 minutes or until browned.