02 February 2007
Look, another update, and with nary a pet photo in sight! I actually hesitated to bother writing about the bagels I made today, because they're so. . . uninspiring, but I had such fun making them that I just don't care!
I'm planning on making soup on Sunday -- a nice big batch to last me, well, however long it'll last -- so I was paging through two of my favourite cookbooks (almost all of my cookbooks are 'favourite' ones, come to think of it): A Beautiful Bowl of Soup and The Bread Book, since I'd need something to eat with all this hypothetical soup. Ever since I got The Bread Book, I've been fascinated by the idea of making either bagels or pretzels at home, so I thought I'd give the bagels a try today.
I knew going into it that there was a chance they wouldn't turn out, since I was using all purpose flour instead of strong white flour meant for bread. So maybe it was that, or maybe I didn't boil them long enough; maybe I just need to practice (despite -- or due to? -- not having extensive experience making bread, I'm of the opinion that it is an art that requires quite a bit of practice!). Anyway, they don't look like bagels you'd buy in a shop.
But! They taste very nice and have a great chew to them on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. And they toast up nice and crisp. And they're small enough that you can have two and a time! And that's success enough for me.
Hi, Anna:
Welcome back to Minnesota! (We are over by Minnehaha Falls.)
I just wanted to say I love your blog, your photography, your home is BEAUTIFUL, and THANK YOU FOR THE FEBRUARY CALENDAR!!! I make one for myself each month, too (like you, to write all over), but mine is much more plain. Even with just a B&W printer this will be a beauty on my kitchen cupboard!
Thanks, and welcome home.
Jeanie of Minnehaha Falls
posted by Jeanie at February 3, 2007 01:37 AM
they look delicious, which is all that matters, to be sure!
when i made bagels a year or two ago, it was because i'd just received the baking with julia book.
they have some videos that might be useful for your next venture out
http://www.pbs.org/juliachild/meet/groveman.html
yummy--i have that soup book, and all are delicious. i can't wait to see which soup you make!
posted by Enthusiastically Human at February 3, 2007 01:40 AM
Hi, again, Anna:
Yours is the first blog I have ever commented in...and I know there was that "delurking week" or whatever, but some of us who lurk don't have blogs (like me) and honestly I never knew if I even *could* leave a comment or if you had to have a blog in order to be "let in".
I'm glad it took my comment, though, but just wanted you to know that sometimes "lurkers" are just people like me that think they don't have permissions to post a comment.
Have a great weekend!
Jeanie
posted by Jeanie at February 3, 2007 01:41 AM
The bagels look pretty good to me - enjoy!
posted by rebecca at February 3, 2007 10:15 AM
Just had to comment on the lovliness of your Blog- I am slowly making my way through the archives-your home is gorgeous and of course your pets are just precious! You are inspiring my to add lightness and simplicity to my home.
posted by mary at February 4, 2007 02:09 PM
Oh they look so good! Ive seen them in Nigella cookbook and have wanted to try the recipe for months now but never got round to it!
posted by Anastasia at February 5, 2007 02:57 AM
They may not be shop-perfect, but they look lovely to me. Aren't bread books fabulous? Matthew bought me Bread Matters for Christmas, and it's amazing! Even though I've been baking bread a while now, I still like a whole new world has opened up for me. I haven't tried bagels yet, but you might have just given me the impetus...
posted by emmms at February 5, 2007 03:04 PM
Anna-
I've checked into your blog off and on for a while now and was excited to discover your recent move to Minneapolis, which is currently where I also live. Thanks for sharing pictures of your beautiful home, your adorable pets, and your shopping and cooking adventures. It's a definite inspiration!
Kim
posted by Kim at February 5, 2007 11:44 PM