There is no greater gift to the people of New York and Long Island than a fluffy, doughy, hot-out-of-the-oven bagel. Pizza is a close second, but any out-of-towners know there is no comparison…it’s in the water folks. So on a Saturday morning when you hit the deli for a dozen bagels, consider these useful tools to make the bagel experience that much more satisfying.
Lékué Silicone Bagel Mold
Get ready to take on the next great baking challenge: bagels. These flexible, easy-to-clean silicone molds allow for simple ways to bake or boil your own fresh bagels at home. Simply roll a ball of dough down over the center, creating a hole, and let it rise. Leave the dough on the mold as you bake, remove from heat by grabbing the tip of the mold, cool and enjoy. Each mold features a perforated bottom for draining and a tapered center.
Available in a set of six molds at Sur La Table for $11.99.
Gourmet Spreader
A well-known family brand for more than 70 years, Wüsthof knows knives. And any schmear worth its place on the top of your bagel should be spread evenly with a good spreading knife. Whether it’s butter or cream cheese, the smooth side of the blade allows for easy spreading while the serrated edge allows for a precise cut through dough, sandwiches or even panini.
The Wüsthof Gourmet Spreader is available online at Williams Sonoma for $19.95.
Bagel Biter
Had one too many run-ins with the knife while cutting your bagel? Then this gadget is for you. Safely slice your bagel in one swift movement with the Bagel Biter. The comfortable grip makes pushing through any size bagel easy.
Available for $19.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Toaster
If you really love your bagels and believe yourself to be quite the connoisseur, you’ll want to invest in a conveyor toaster. With a hefty price tag of $1,200 and up, these toasters are the kinds you find in hotels and restaurants, but for home use, work great for a large family breakfast or gathering. This high-powered electric toaster has controlled speeds and a horizontal conveyor that can toast up to 8 bagel slices at a time.
The Star QCS2-1200B Star QCS Conveyor Toaster is available at www.kitchenrestock.com for $1,258.49.
Freeze Dryer
Did you get more bagels than you bargained for? Are you making a special trip out of New York to deliver some bread baked goodness to another state? If so, freeze-drying bagels will ensure that freshness is preserved at all costs. Easy to use, just press start and a beep will sound to complete the process. The brand claims that food can be preserved for up to 25 years with all its flavor and nutrition and that customers can freeze dry 1,500 pounds of fresh food per year.
This standard size freeze dryer is available in three colors at www.harvestkitchen.com for $2,295.
