Bagels

This is the recipe for plain bagels. Of course, you can make plain into sesame, poppy, or everything. Making bagels is not difficult, it it just time consuming.

1 package yeast
2 C warm water
2 T honey
1 T salt (I actually use a little less than 1 T)
5 C flour
Seeded toppings (poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion flakes, garlic flakes)
egg white


Dissolve the yeast, honey and salt in warm water.
Add 2 C flour at a time and mix well.
Turn out onto floured surface and knead for at least 5 minutes until dough is elastic and smooth.



Put into greased bowl and cover. Let rise for 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
Divide dough into 8-12 equal parts. (Depending on how big you want the bagels.)
Roll each part into a ball and cut out center hole.



Boil bagels for 6 minutes, turning once.



Drain and coat with desired toppings. (Note: I use a non-stick aluminum foil so the bagels don't stick to the surface. To make sure the toppings adhere, brush the bagel with egg white.)





Bake at 425F for 25-30 minutes.



You'll have to trust me when I say that homemade bagels are worth the trouble.

Baked Chicken Breasts

I remember making this chicken the first time we had dinner guests - in 1983. If I'm still making it, it must be one of my successes. (Thanks, Mom!)

Bone In, Skin On Chicken Breasts
1/4 C vegetable oil
1 C flour
Seasoned Salt

Line baking dish with aluminum foil (to aid in clean-up.) Pour the oil in the bottom of the pan. Rinse the chicken in water and then place chicken in pan - getting both sides wet in the oil. Liberally dust the chicken with flour - turning it over and getting the flour wet. Sprinkle seasoned salt on the chicken.




Bake at 350F for at least 1 1/2 hours. Crust should be browned and crunchy.




Note: I make gravy out of the pan drippings. Anyone need that recipe?

Throw-Ins

Wow. It's really been a long time since I cooked anything. (Actually, just a long time since I blogged about cooking. Sorry.)

I have my terrific mother-in-law to thank for this meal. It's not so much a recipe as it is a wonderful idea. When my husband was growing up, this was a favorite on "family night." Most of the time, they would be made in the fireplace. I use an oven - but for "indoor camping," this is a great meal.

hamburger patty
sliced carrots
sliced onions
diced potatoes
salt
pepper
parsley

Place a generous piece of aluminum foil on the counter. Put the hamburger patty in the middle. Pile the rest of the vegetables on top.

Salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle parsley.



Seal the meal into a pouch.





Bake at 350F for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. (Check for doneness.) Drain grease.

I love this meal for cleanup!