John M

New York bagels are different because of a unique combination of hard water, a two-stage boiling and baking process, and a high-gluten flour that creates their legendary chew.   That signature shine, crisp crust, and dense interior aren’t just happy accidents, they’re the result of specific techniques that bagel makers in New York have perfected … Read more

New Jersey bagels are so good because they combine a unique two-step boiling method, high-gluten flour, and a water chemistry that you simply can’t replicate anywhere else. The secret starts with the dough, which is made from high-gluten flour that gives the bagel its signature chewy bite. Then there’s the boiling step, which sets the … Read more

Your sourdough bagels are dense because of a handful of common culprits, most of which come down to dough hydration, fermentation, and shaping.   If you’ve been scratching your head over why your sourdough bagels are so dense, you’re definitely not alone.   This is one of the most frequent frustrations for home bakers, and … Read more

Your sourdough bagels are tough because of a few common culprits that come down to dough hydration, over-kneading, and how you handle the boiling and baking stages.   If you’ve been asking why your sourdough bagels are tough, you’re not alone, as this is one of the most frequent frustrations for home bakers.   The … Read more

Your sourdough bagels are flat because they’re not getting enough structure or spring during the baking process.   It’s a super common problem, and honestly, flat sourdough bagels happen to just about every home baker at some point.   Your bagels might be flat because the dough is too slack, your starter is weak, or … Read more

Your homemade bagels are wrinkled because of a few specific culprits that are actually quite easy to fix once you know what they are.   If you’ve been staring at a batch of homemade bagels with wrinkled skin and wondering where you went wrong, you’re in the right place.   Wrinkled homemade bagels are a … Read more