Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of bread flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until well mixed.
2. In a separate small bowl, activate the yeast by combining 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast with 1 1/2 cups of warm water (between 100°F and 110°F). Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. Once the yeast is activated, pour it into the dry ingredient mixture. Add 1 cup of cooked and pureed beets to the bowl as well.
4. Mix the ingredients together until a dough begins to form. You may need to use your hands to bring the dough together fully.
5. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
6. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
8. Shape each piece into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole through the center of each ball to form a bagel shape. Gently stretch the hole to about 2 inches in diameter.
9. Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.
10. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) during the last 10 minutes of the second rise.
11. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the bagels, a few at a time, and boil them for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This step helps create a chewy texture.
12. After boiling, remove the bagels with a slotted spoon and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
13. In a small bowl, mix together 4 ounces of goat cheese and 2 tablespoons of honey until smooth. You can add more honey to taste if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
14. Spread a generous amount of the goat cheese and honey mixture on each bagel before placing them in the oven.
15. Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and have a nice crust.
16. Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
17. Enjoy your Beet Goat Cheese and Honey Bagels warm or at room temperature, and store any leftovers in an airtight container.