A Bagel For More Than Breakfast


by Lelia Boyer


Fortunate for its many fans, a bagel is far more versatile than commonly believed. Nearly all carb lovers find themselves undeniably drawn to the hearty goodness of this filling bread. With butter and jam or a thick layer of cream cheese, they are consumed at an astounding rate.

Bagels and cream cheese go together like bread and butter. Nobody is disputing that this is a delectable combination, but putting a spin on this classic can make Sunday brunch worth talking about all week. It is as simple as spreading sliced, toasted bagels with cream cheese before topping it with fresh arugula and tomato slices.

Replace sliced bread with the goodness of a bagel for lunchbox meals. Due to it's density it will hold its shape through out the day and adds a hearty air to the typical on the go lunch. To keep a man or growing boy full until dinner, this sandwich solution is ideal. Try all of the classic favorites such as peanut butter and jelly, egg salad, and roast beef.

For a bit of easy comfort food at the end of a long day, fire up the broiler and mix up a batch of tuna salad. Place sliced bagels in a single layer on a broiler pan before covering each with tuna salad and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Heat under the broiler until the cheese is melted and golden on the edges. Serve these tuna melts open faced with a side of soup and fresh vegetables.

Kids arrive home from school ready to eat everything in sight. Be ready for the invasion with a platter of filling mini pizzas. About fifteen minutes before the horde arrives, lay several sliced bagels out on a baking sheet. Spread with tomato sauce and top with mozzarella cheese before baking in a pre-heated oven. Once the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, remove the pizzas from the oven and let cook for a few minutes before cutting into quarters. For a special treat, allow the children to help and create gourmet snacks from a selection of their favorite pizza toppings.

For some extra fun on family game night, use this roll as the base for a festive treat. Assemble a collection of favorite dippers, along with toasted bagel cubes and serve with chocolate or cheese fondue. For Italian style dippers, grill the rolls with garlic butter and serve quartered with the families favorite marinara sauce and a dusting of Parmesan cheese.

Taking the common bagel beyond breakfast is simple and easy. By employing a little creative thinking, one can create a wide variety of custom recipes and dishes. To add a hearty element to any meal consider substituting them in old favorites calling for bread.

bagel




About the Author: