Bagels, Schmears, and a Nice Piece of Fish

Book excerpt: A playful-yet-comprehensive cookbook that lets anyone create bagels, schmears, and other deli favorites at home. Bagel lovers rejoice! This delightful cookbook makes it easy to bake fresh bagels in your own kitchen with just five base ingredients and simple techniques. With advice on mixing the dough, shaping the bagels, proofing, boiling, baking, slicing, and storing, you will be a master bagel-maker in no time. Recipes include two dozen variations on the New York bagel, with classic and innovative flavors ranging from Sesame to Blueberry to Hatch Chile Jack. You'll also find recipes for homemade sweet and savory spreads, schmears, pickles, and other deli mainstays like Home-Cured Lox and Chicken Salad. With suggested menus for fun brunches and gatherings, photos of finished food and step-by-step techniques, and a charming deli aesthetic, this is both a comprehensive baking resource and a playful guide to making one of America's best-loved foods. BAGELS ARE EASY BAKING: This book brings bagels to the home baker with step-by-step recipes for making classic New York bagels, even in the smallest kitchen. And it's not about the water! It's about just five ingredients and straightforward technique. AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR: Cathy Barrow is an award-winning cookbook author. She's been recognized by IACP and the James Beard Foundation for her work on Mrs. Wheelbarrow's Practical Pantry and Pie Squared, respectively. Perfect for: • Home bakers and cooks who love bagels • Bread enthusiasts looking for a new project • New Yorkers who live elsewhere and want to make a classic NY bagel at home