A Bagel is NOT a Bagel Without the Hole

If you viewed the previous post on our bagel making endeavor Montreal anyone?,  you'd understand why my curiosity was piqued as to the origins of the "Bagel". The legends vary of course but I prefer the one of the Viennese baker who in 1683 made a thank you gift for the King of Poland. Why?  It turns out the King had protected the Austrians during the Turkish invasion. Since his Majesty loved riding horses, the baker created a hard roll in the shape of a stirrup. Maybe you can guess what the German word for 'stirrup' is? 

Well, actually it's 'Bugel.'  There you go and so you see a bagel can't be a bagel without a hole.

The bagel's popularity grew and was even gifted to women in child birth as the bagel was easy to grip and could also be a teething ring for infants. 

Hey, we know how tough a stale bagel can be!

In Russia bagels were considered 'good luck and possess magical powers.' Who knew?

Montreal's Fairmont

It was the Eastern Europeans Jews that brought  them to Montreal and New York when they settled in North America in the 1900's. 

Many heated arguments ensue as to which bagels are the best due to texture/taste/appearance and will drive across town in larger cities to get bagels from their favorite bagel places. In Canada bagel mavens top 2 are the Fairmont and St Viateur. 

St-Viateur Bagel   pictured on the right is the 'original ' still hand made and baked in wood fired ovens. 

    Take a look at the visual  difference between the New York City and Montreal bagels.

These cities bagel reputations are unrivaled until of course Chaseburg became the bagel making mecca this past weekend. 

We should get wooden pallets to bake the bagels in our wood fireplace to get more authentic...

Next batch we are definitely trying onion and who knows maybe pumpernickel... The possibilities are endless. 

And don't forget it's definitely more fun baking with friends. Right Maureen and Bob?