1. Pour warm water into a bowl (it should feel warm, not hot). Add yeast and sugar or honey. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes. The mixture should become foamy—this means the yeast is active. 2. Add flour and salt to the bowl. Mix until a firm dough forms. The dough should feel stiff, not soft like regular bread. 3. Transfer dough to a work surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth, elastic and slightly firm. ( If dough is too sticky, add a little flour. If too dry, add a few drops of water.) 4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour. (It will not double much—just slightly puff.) 5. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a smooth ball. Poke your finger through the center. Gently stretch into a ring about 1–1.5 inches (3–4 cm) hole. 6. Rest after shaping (IMPORTANT STEP): Place shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave space between them. Cover loosely with a towel or plastic wrap (This prevents drying and helps them hold shape.). Let rest for 25-30 minutes in warm place. 7. Bring 2 liters of water to a gentle boil. Add honey or sugar. Reduce to a gentle simmer (not aggressive boil). 8. Carefully place bagels into water (2–3 at a time). Boil 30–45 seconds per side. Remove with a slotted spoon. (Longer boiling = chewier bagels.) 9. Place boiled bagels back on parchment-lined baking sheet. While still wet, sprinkle with seeds or seasoning. 10. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 18–22 minutes until deep golden brown and firm crust. (Rotate tray halfway for even baking.) 11. Transfer to a wire rack. Let cool at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. SERVING IDEAS: - Cream cheese - Butter and jam - Smoked salmon (lox) and cream cheese - Breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese

   Very simple and very tasty cookies. You can prepare more dough for it and then store it in the refrigerator. If unexpected guests arrive, you can quickly prepare delicious cookies. 1. Grate the butter into a deep bowl and pour a glass of cold beer over it. Place flour on top and mix everything thoroughly. Place the finished dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour or in the freezer for 25-30 minutes. 2. Preheat the oven to 395°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 3. Sprinkle flour on the table and roll out the dough onto it to a thickness of 1 cm. 4. Sprinkle sugar on top of the dough and use a rolling pin to lightly press the sugar into the dough. Cut the dough into strips about 2-3 cm wide and 5-7 cm long. Place these strips on a baking sheet and put in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.