Sesame seed Bagels with Jalapeno Cream Cheese

Ingredients

2 teaspoons dry yeast
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups warm water (may need 1/4 cup more)
3 1/2 cups bread flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt.

Method

1. Pour sugar and yeast into 1/2 warm water. Dont stir. Allow to sit for 5 minutes, the mixture should be foaming and warm to touch. Now stir until mixture dissolves.
2. Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well and pour in wet ingredients.
3. Pour in 1/2 of the remaining water, mix and then add rest.
4. Knead dough for 10 minutres.
5. Coat a bowl with oil and add dough mixture, covering with plastic wrap. Allow dough to rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. 
6. Punch down and leave again for another 10 minutes.
7. Divide into 8 balls. Poke holes in middle and allow to rest on a baking tray. Leave for 10minutes in a warm place with a tea towel covering the tray.
8. Bring a large pot of water to boil, then to simmer. Put in each bagel for 1 minute each side (2 minutes for chewer bagel).
9. Transfer to a baking tray and brush with egg whites and cover with sesame seeds (or whatever you fancy).
10. Cook for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Jalapeno Cream Cheese

Ingredients

250g block of cream cheese
Squeeze of minced garlic
1/2 cup pickled jalapenos, chopped.
(I add a lot so add to your tasting. When creaming the cheese taste as you go along and add as much or as little as you like).

Method

1. Beat cream cheese.
2. Add the squeeze of garlic and chopped jalapenos.
3. I sometimes add a little of the liquid from the jalapeno jar also.