Instructions: In a mixing bowl, stir together flours, yeast, sugar (if using), salt, dill seed, and celery seed. If using barley malt syrup, stir it into water. Add to bowl with dry ingredients and mix to form a stiff dough. (Mixture will seem dry and shaggy at this point, but light kneading will bring it together.)

On a lightly floured surface, knead dough lightly into a smooth ball and return to bowl. Cover with plastic an set aside in a warm place for an hour to rest. (At this point the dough may be refrigerated for several hours. Set out at room temp for about 2 hrs before proceeding to step 3.)

Preheat oven to 400F. Lightly spray or brush a baking sheet with oil and sprinkle with cornmeal. Set a large pot of water and 1 Tbsp sugar to boil.

On a lightly floured surface, turn out dough and divide in half. Return one half to bowl and divide the other into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into smooth ball. Flatten balls slightly, push thumbs through center, place index fingers inside, and roll into a smooth, open bagel shape. (Dough will rise to fill in hole if it isnt large enough.)

Drop 3 bagels into boiling water and boil gently, turning often, for 5 min.

Using a strainer or slotted spoon, remove bagels carefully. Rest spoon briefly on towel to remove excess water and set bagels a few inches apart, on prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining 3 bagels.

Brush bagels with egg wash and sprinkle with seeds, if desired. Bake for about 30 min, until glossy and well browned. Repeat with second half of dough.

Makes 12 bagels.

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