Break out the lox and cream cheese. Today is officially National Bagel Day. In order to celebrate, bagel chains across the country are offering freebies. Panera Bread, and Einstein Bros are both getting in on the free bagel action.
Panera Bread launched a small campaign in anticipation of National Bagel Day. They let customers vote for their favorite bagel flavor. The winning bagel flavor will be offered from 6:30 am to 9PM on February 9, 2010 at participating Panera Bread locations.
Einstein Bros. is taking a slightly different approach. They are harnessing the power of social media and Facebook to not only gain more of a customer base but to give out buy-one-get-one--free coupons as well. Einstein Bros. began their efforts on January 25, with their Free Bagel Bonanza which offered anyone who friended Einstein Bros a free bagel and schmear coupon. The event was so successful, that Einstein’s is continuing the celebration on Bagel Day with another coupon.
Originally, created in Poland as a competitor to the Bublik, a lean wheat bread designed for Lent, the bagel has risen to stardom in the United States and beyond. The bagel first made its appearance in the United States when immigrant Jews brought the treat over. Soon bagel bakeries were popping up all over New York city.
Bagels are traditionally made from wheat flour, salt, water and yeast. Here is an easy bagel recipe courtesy of Allrecipe.com for those who want to celebrate National Bagel Day with a homemade treat:
Ingredients
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 2/3 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons margarine
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
Directions
1. Mix together the unsifted flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, yeast, water, and butter in the bread machine on the manual setting.
2. OR, mix 1-1/2 cup flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, and yeast. Heat water and butter to 120-130 degrees F. Add water to dry ingredients; beat 2 minutes at medium speed on mixer. Add 1/2 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.
3. Remove from bread machine.
4. 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.
5. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) 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.
Written By Lani Shadduck
HULIQ.com
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