Ep 8. Bagels with Lauren Groveman

In season 1 episode 8 of Baking with Julia, renowned baker and chef Julia Child welcomes Lauren Groveman into her kitchen to teach viewers how to make the perfect bagel. Lauren Groveman is an expert in bread-making, and in this episode, she shares her secrets to creating the quintessential New York bagel.

The episode begins with a brief history of the bagel, and Groveman explains how the dough is rolled and formed into the iconic shape we all know and love. She emphasizes the importance of using a high-gluten flour to create a sturdy dough that can withstand boiling and baking.

Once the dough is mixed and kneaded, Groveman shows viewers how to shape the bagels by rolling the dough into a ball and poking a hole through the center. She demonstrates different techniques for shaping the dough, including the classic hand-rolling method and a quicker, more efficient method using a wooden dowel.

After the bagels are shaped, they are boiled in a pot of water infused with malt syrup or honey. Groveman explains that this step is crucial for giving the bagels their distinctive chewy texture and glossy crust. Once boiled, the bagels are baked until golden brown and ready to serve.

Throughout the episode, Groveman shares tips and tricks for making perfect bagels every time. She stresses the importance of using a kitchen scale to measure ingredients accurately, and demonstrates how to test the dough for proper gluten development. She also shares several variations on the classic bagel recipe, including whole wheat, cinnamon raisin, and even mini bagels.

In addition to making bagels, Groveman shares her recipe for homemade cream cheese, which she flavors with fresh herbs and spices. She shows viewers how to prepare the cream cheese using a food processor or stand mixer, and suggests serving it alongside the freshly baked bagels for the ultimate breakfast or brunch spread.

As always, Julia Child is a delightful host and provides plenty of commentary throughout the episode. She asks Groveman insightful questions and provides her own tips and tricks for successful baking. Together, these two legendary chefs create a fun and informative episode that is sure to inspire viewers to try their hand at making homemade bagels.

Overall, season 1 episode 8 of Baking with Julia is a must-watch for anyone interested in bread-making or classic New York cuisine. With Lauren Groveman's expert guidance and Julia Child's infectious enthusiasm, viewers are sure to come away with a newfound appreciation for the humble bagel.