Whole Wheat Bagels

This recipe is also from The New Book of Whole Grains (Bumgarner).  It takes a bit of time, but so worth it!  The end result is a dense 100% whole wheat bagel that is delicious spread with fat-free cream cheese!  :o)

Whole Wheat Bagels

1 1/4 c. boiling water

3 T honey

1 T salt

2 T yeast

1/4 c. lukewarm water

4-4 1/2 c. whole wheat flour

Combine boiling water, honey & salt in large bowl; cool to lukewarm.  Dissolve yeast in 1/4. cup lukewarm water.  Add to honey mixture when it has cooled.  Stir in 2 c. flour to develop gluten.  Add remaining flour; kneading until dough is smooth and elastic.  

Shape into 12 balls.  Poke hole in middl eo feach one, pulling gently to enlarge working into donut shape.  cover lightly with dry cloth, let rise 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375F.  In large pot of salted water, boil bagel 4-5 at a time for 7 minutes turning once.  Bake on ungreased baking sheet 30-35 minutes.

Makes 12 bagels.

To Freeze: Slice each bagel almost completely through and place in Ziploc freezer bag. 

To Serve: Thaw at room temperature, microwave or toaster oven.

Bran Muffins

This recipe is originally from The New Book of Whole Grains (Bumgarner) that I had requested from my local library.  I had been looking for a good bran muffin recipe that was made from whole grains with honey.  This recipe is great & freezes well, too! 

I add 1/4 cup of ground flax seed for extra nutrition. I also add 1 tsp. of cinnamon.  I have made the recipe twice, once with yogurt and once with buttermilk and both taste great!  :o)

Bran Muffins

1/3 c. sunflower oil

1/2 c. honey

1 egg

2 c. whole wheat pastry flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 c. wheat bran

1/4. c. ground flax seed

1 c. buttermilk (or yogurt)

Cream together oil, honey & egg.  Stir together dry ingredients and add to honey mixture alternating with buttermilk (yogurt).  Batter will be thick.  

Spray muffin tin well!  Fill & bake 15-20 minutes at 400F.  Check at 15 minutes - that's when they're usually done in my oven.  

Makes 1 dozen.

To Freeze: Cool & bag in Ziploc Freezer bags.

To Serve: Thaw at room temp or microwave.