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Spelt Bagels

Spelt is an ancient cousin of our modern day wheat but with out any genetic modifications or hybrids. Many people who are "wheat sensitive" find they can tolerate spelt or other grains like kamut.

4 1/2 cups Gourmet White Spelt or Whole Wheat Spelt *
3 TBL Fructose (honey, maple syrup or other natural sweetener)
1 1/2 tsp Salt
2 1/2 tsp Rapid Rise Yeast
1 2/3 cups Hot Water
2 TBL Margarine

Place flour in large bowl, making a well in center. Add fructose, salt and yeast to center of well. Add margarine to hot water and pour into the flour well. Using a wooden spoon mix the wet ingredients folding in more flour gently as you stir to incorporate all of the mixture. When all of the flour is mixed together, turn out dough onto floured surface and need gently by hand -- 3-5 minutes. Spelt is a gentle grain and will not require long kneading cycles.

Pinch off about a palm size ball of the dough and roll it into a long rope about 9 inches long. Take ends and pinch together to form bagel circle. Continue until you have a dozen bagels. Cover with paper towel and let rise for about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile prepare water bath. Fill a large dutch oven half way with water and place 1 TBL fructose and 2 tsp salt. Bring to boil then set on simmer. When bagels are puffy (after rising for 30 minutes) place 3 or 4 into the water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes on each side, then remove with a slotted spoon, gently pat with paper towel and place on greased cookie sheet. Repeat until all of the bagels have been boiled.

Place the bagels in a preheated 375 degree oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Mix-ins!
You can add bagels flavors either during the initial mixing of dry ingredients or during the kneading of the dough. Try one or more of the following: 1/2-1 cup frozen blueberries, 2 TBL unsweetened cocoa, 1/2-1 cup raisons, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 dried cranberries, 2 TBL nut butter, 2 TBL dried onion bits.

* Whole wheat spelt is available in most health food stores. You can also find whole wheat and gourmet white spelt on line at http://www.purityfoods.com/.