Ingredients:

4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 (¼ ounce) package active dry yeast
1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 teaspoons salt

Directions:

Mix 1 ½ cup flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and yeast. Heat water and butter to 120 to130°. Add water to dry ingredients; beat 2 minutes at medium speed on mixer. Add ½ cup flour, beat at high speed 2 minutes. Stir in more flour to make a stiff dough. Knead 8-10 minutes. Cover and let rise. Punch down. Cover; let rest 15 minutes. Divide dough into 12 pieces; shape 3 pieces into smooth balls. Poke a 1 inch hole in each. Drop bagels into a large skillet with 1 inch water (simmering) with 1 tablespoon sugar and 2 teaspoons salt in the water.

Cook on medium low heat for 3 minutes, turn and cook 2 minutes; turn again, cook 1 minute more. Drain on towels. Repeat for rest of dough. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes. Remove from sheets and cool. If desired, before baking, mix 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon water, brush on bagels, and sprinkle with sesame, poppy, or caraway seeds.