Bagels are something that I’ve enjoyed from a very young age. They’ve always been a part of my culinary life.
One of my favorite things in the world is an everything bagel with a bunch of cream cheese smeared in between the two halves.
Ever wonder why bagels have holes? Maria Balinska, the author of “The Bagel: The Surprising History of a Modest Bread” answered this and many other questions about the bagel in NY Times.
As to why the hole in the first place: It allows the bagel to cook faster, since there is a greater surface area for the volume of dough. It also means that you get more crust for the same amount of dough. And then there is the intrinsic attraction of the ring shape. It’s a draw for children, both because it is easy to grasp and because you can play with it.
So cool.
I’m kind of jealous of NYC. Bagels are such a part of its culture. We need more bagel shops in DC. Do you have any bagel memories or a favorite place where you get bagels?