National Bagel Day 2024: January 15th marks the celebration of National Bagel Day, a day dedicated to honoring the delicious and versatile bagel. The humble bagel can be found in almost any locale, from corner delis to chain coffee shops, it’s been a breakfast staple for generations. However, this special holiday isn’t just about celebrating the yummy snack – it’s also about recognizing the history of bagels in America. From its roots in Poland to its current popularity in the United States, let’s explore why we celebrate National Bagel Day and how you can get involved.
What is National Bagel Day?
For many people, National Bagel Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in their favorite breakfast treat. But what exactly is a bagel? A bagel is a type of bread that is boiled before it is baked. This creates a harder crust, which gives the bagel its distinctive chewy texture. Bagels are often topped with seeds or flavorings like malt, onions, or garlic.
National Bagel Day celebrates this delicious food item and encourages people to enjoy a tasty bagel for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you like your bagels plain or with all the fixings, this is the day to indulge! So grab a friend and head to your local bakery or grocery store to pick up some fresh bagels. And don’t forget the cream cheese!
The History of Bagels
Bagels have been around for centuries and their history is as rich and diverse as the countries they come from. Bagels are believed to have originated in Poland, where they were originally called obwarzanek krakowski. These early bagels were made from dough that was boiled before being formed into a ring and then baked. Bagels were a popular food amongst the Jewish community in Poland and were often given as gifts or exchanged between families on special occasions.
The first recorded mention of bagels in America was in 1663, when a group of Jewish immigrants from Holland settled in New Amsterdam (now New York City). These immigrants brought with them many of their traditional foods, including bagels. The popularity of bagels quickly spread throughout America and by the early 1900s there were over 200 bagel bakeries in New York City alone!
Today, you can find bagels all over the world, in many different flavors and varieties. From plain to poppy seed to everything bagels, there’s a flavor for everyone. So whether you’re celebrating National Bagel Day or just enjoying a delicious breakfast treat, be sure to raise a glass (of milk or coffee) to the humble bagel!
How to Make a Bagel
To make a bagel, you will need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 2/3 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees F)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Additional all-purpose flour (for kneading)
- 1 cup cornmeal (for boiling)
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Gradually add the water and mix until the dough comes together. Add the egg and oil and mix until well blended.
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly. Make a hole in the center of each with your thumb or finger and stretch until the hole is about 2 inches wide.
Place the bagels on greased baking sheets, cover and let rise for another 20 to 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Boil water in a large saucepan and add cornmeal. Reduce heat to simmer. Carefully drop 2 or 3 bagels at a time into the water and simmer for 1 minute per side.
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Recipes
Whether you’re a bagel aficionado or just looking to try something new, National Bagel Day is the perfect opportunity to experiment with some delicious recipes. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Bagel Pizza: Start with a pre-made bagel, top with your favorite pizza sauce and toppings, and bake until hot and bubbly.
- Bagel breakfast sandwich: Layer eggs, bacon, sausage, or ham between two halves of a bagel, then add cheese and any other desired toppings.
- Bagel chips: Slice bagels thinly, brush with olive oil, and bake at 400 degrees until crisp. Serve with dips like hummus or guacamole.
- Sweet treat: Spread Nutella or peanut butter on a warm bagel, then top with bananas, berries, or another favorite fruit.
Tips for the Best Bagels
The best bagels are made with a few simple ingredients: water, flour, yeast, and salt. To get started, you’ll need to find a good recipe. Once you have the ingredients and the recipe, follow these tips for the perfect bagel:
- Use high-quality ingredients. The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your bagels will be.
- Pre-heat your oven. This will help ensure that your bagels cook evenly.
- Boil your water before adding it to the dough. This step is essential for getting that nice chewy texture on the outside of your bagels.
- Be patient! Don’t rush the dough-kneading process or the rising time. Good bagels take time to make!
National Bagel Day Dates:
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | January 15 | Sunday |
| 2024 | January 15 | Monday |
| 2025 | January 15 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | January 15 | Thursday |
| 2027 | January 15 | Friday |
