A bagel is a dense, round yeast bun with a hole in the middle the dough is shaped into rings and is set aside to rise for a short time. The unique step in making the perfect bagel happens just before baking, when the buns are submerging into boiling water to give the crust its characteristic chewiness.
Bagels are either brushed with egg before baking or sugar is added to the poaching water to make them glossy. The best parts for me are the crunchy nibbly bits on the top a light sprinkling of poppy, sesame, onion flakes and pretzel pumpernickel.
Sweet versions of bagels are also made containing raisins and cinnamons.