In response to Steve's outcry for bagel therapy may I suggest you
check out Nancy Silverton's recipe in Breads from The La Brea Bakery
(easily found in libraries or bookstores).
I'm originally from Brooklyn where we had local bagel/bialy bakeries
in the neighborhood between other little storefront businesses. After
leaving NYC in 1990 I too suffered from lack of credible bagels. The
closest I've ever produced were Nancy's bagels, which rose slowly
overnight in the refrigerator before plunging into the bath and bake.
They have a depth of flavor and chewiness that is often lacking in
the commercial mass produced versions found around here (FL).
Try it, you'll like it.
Bonni
Bonni Bakes Edible Art
in the Village of the Arts
930 12th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941.746.6647