Bagel Bliss: Everything Bagels with Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese

Dive into the iconic flavors of New York with our Bagel Bliss pairing, where the timeless charm of everything bagels meets the luxurious taste of smoked salmon cream cheese. This beloved combination brings together the crunchy, savory exterior and tender interior of freshly baked everything bagels with the creamy richness of salmon-infused cream cheese. It's a classic pairing that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a bite of the Big Apple. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated brunch or simply indulging in a morning treat, this pairing promises satisfaction with every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Everything Bagels:

- 4 cups bread flour

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 2 teaspoons salt

- 1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

- 1 1/4 cups warm water

- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning (a blend of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt)

For the Boiling Solution:

- 2 quarts water

- 1/4 cup honey or malt syrup

For the Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese:

- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

- 4 ounces smoked salmon, finely chopped

- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and chopped

- 1 teaspoon lemon zest

- Salt and pepper to taste

 

Instructions:

Everything Bagels:

1. Dough Preparation:

   - In a large bowl, mix together the bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a dough forms.

   - Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

2. Shape and Boil:

   - Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then press a hole through the center to form a bagel shape.

   - Bring the water and honey or malt syrup to a boil in a large pot. Boil the bagels, a few at a time, for 1 minute on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack.

3. Bake:

   - Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Transfer the boiled bagels to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.

   - Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack.

 

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese:

1. Prepare the Spread:

   - In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, smoked salmon, dill, capers, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until creamy and fully combined.

 

Serving:

Slice the everything bagels in half and toast lightly if desired. Spread a generous amount of smoked salmon cream cheese on each bagel half. The creamy spread with bits of smoked salmon and the flavorful crunch of the everything bagel create a harmonious and utterly satisfying experience.

 

The Bagel Bliss pairing is a celebration of classic New York flavors, offering a simple yet indulgent way to start your day or enjoy a delightful snack. This iconic combination of everything bagels and smoked salmon cream cheese is sure to bring a taste of the city's culinary heritage to your table, making every meal a blissful escape.

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