You may remember the exact moment when you had your first really, really good bagel. It’s the bagel against which all the bagels thereafter were measured — substandard bagels no longer held up when compared to that fresh, crisp yet chewy, warm, fragrant roll with a hole.
If you live in New York (or Montreal, or even Chicago) that day may have come early. Any road, you love bagels, you really love great bagels, and you are always looking for ways to make your bagel eating experience even better.
Bagel snobs, rejoice! We at New Yorker Bagels are going to let you in on twelve secrets to making a bagel more than just a bagel.
Bagels can be a Better Breakfast
Forget about driving through McD’s, or microwaving something from Jimmy Dean. The bagel is the perfect starting point for a breakfast sandwich. Split, toast lightly, smear with a little soft butter, and top with a poached egg, a turkey sausage patty or a few strips of bacon, and throw some spinach or arugula on top for extra points. Sprinkle with cheese if you want extra protein.
Alternately, top the split and toasted bagel with cream cheese, then thinly sliced fruit – or vegetables that have been sliced or chopped, and saluted just enough to be crisp tender. It’s a great way to start the day!
Bagels can be the Best Lunch Ever
The classic combo including smoked salmon, thinly sliced red onions, and a few accenting capers is the ideal brunch or lunch meal. Add a small salad on the side and enjoy! You can also put a spin on another favorite by using tarragon cream cheese and topping that with lox and soft, ribbon-cut butter lettuce.
You can also pack a whole wheat bagel to top with peanut butter or Nutella. Slice a banana on it or sprinkle with wheat germ for an even more wholesome meal. Eat open-faced for easier biting and chewing, and you’ll feel full once you are done.
Bagels for Dinner – NOT a Crazy Idea
Make a light vegetarian meal by spreading a bagel with cream cheese and topping with crunchy vegetables that have been julienned for ease of crunching! Add some bean sprouts or snow peas – really, this is the perfect opportunity to clear the crisper drawer.
Or, you can also make pizzas – a bagel split in half makes two nice personal style crusts, and you can top with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and any other toppings before broiling lightly until done.
These tips for Better Bagel Eating can make every day a great time for a bagel!