One thing has always bothered me since I moved to Rio de Janeiro, the lack of bagels. I'm not even talking about good bagels. I'm saying any bagel! Hell, I'd even pay inflated prices for Lender's bagels at this point.
I decided to finally take matters into my own hands! If being an expat has taught me anything, it has taught me to take practical and planned out chances. Oxymoron, I know, but when you live in Rio de Janeiro you plan your madness.
I used this recipe from the Food Network. It was my second attempt and the best so far. But you be the judge of that. The top photo is of my batch! By the way, they are tastier than they look!
I'm now on a bagel making mission. I plan to master the art of the plain bagel and then move into my favorite, the sun dried tomato bagel! Do not be intimidated by all the random steps. It's actually quite pleasant to boil bagels. Who knew? And the dough is lovely to kneed. I found the entire process quite domestically liberating.
Do note though that I had to use double the suggested yeast here in Brazil.
boiling
baking
Eating
They look good...if a little oddly shaped.
ReplyDeletewhat's with the burnt one?
ReplyDeleteAttempted to make a pesto topping on that one. Still working out the kinks. But seriously, they tasted amazing! Even Mr. Rant loved them and he's not that into bagels.
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm really impressed Rachel!
ReplyDeletePure genius!
ReplyDeleteRock on grrl! I'd ask for a taste at the Meet-up, but I can't eat it! sigh.
ReplyDeleteBagels are love.
Oh wow! Just the other day I was craving a bagel. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThey look great!
ReplyDeleteI see a business opportunity in the near future, think of all the Americans at all the Hotels in Rio that would love to have a Bagel for breakfast! ;)
Ray
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ReplyDeleteB.A.B,
ReplyDeleteYou can visit the "Bagel Factory" in Moema:
http://www.seurestaurante.com.br/restaurante.php?id_rest=1366
:)
Really! A bagel factory! Wow, this day just can't get any better!
ReplyDeleteMy brother-in-law, who is in the restaurant business, actually tried to start a bagel business in Rio and he had all sorts of obstacles concerning supplies so he dropped the project. I always thought a bagel and beer place in Gavea near the university would be a brilliant business.
Well done, Rachel! Did you hear the "horrendous" news out of New York City recently? The legendary H&H Bagels on the Upper West Side (the one I used to frequent when I lived in NYC) closed! You can just imagine how many hearts were devastated when those doors closed. And these are New Yorkers, the consummate bagel lovers!
ReplyDelete--Jean
When I lived in Brazil, I missed bagels so much! My company would fly me back to New York every 3 months to get my visa stamped and the next day I would fly back to Rio with a Fresh Bagel, cream cheese and Lox for my on board meal! I used to savor it! Your bagels look tasty Rachel!
ReplyDeleteI've heard that steaming them can be the trick. Though, boiling seems to work. I might try both to see which is better.
ReplyDelete