|
Bagel Tips
1. Storage - Bagels should be packaged in paper bags until they have reached room temperature, when they should be transferred into plastic bags until they are consumed. When tightly sealed, they can be kept unfrozen for up to 3 days. But remember there are no preservatives so they will begin to harden after the 2nd day. We suggest after this point they be toasted or warmed in the oven. Also, refrigerator temperatures actually make breads go stale faster than keeping them at room temperature or freezing and thawing them.
2. Freezing - If you are planning on keeping bagels any longer than 3 days it is best to freeze them in a plastic bag as soon as they arrive. If you are planning to toast your bagels, or make sandwiches after freezing, slice BEFORE you store them. It is very difficult, not to mention dangerous, to slice a frozen bagel.
3. Thawing - Frozen bagels are best left to thaw in the plastic bag at room temperature. They thaw quickly. If you must use the microwave, as a means of thawing your bagel, be careful. Microwaves cook from the inside out and can dry the center. A very short time will be enough (10 secs). If they are being toasted, put them into the toaster frozen – by the time they are toasted, they are defrosted too!
|