by Laura Montana

Created on: June 27, 2010

Traditionally bagel toppings were limited to cream cheese and lox. Bagels came in one flavor: plain. That has changed as the bagel’s popularity has grown. Bagels now come in just about any flavor you can imagine.

Bagels can also be used in non-traditional ways. Any sandwich filling can be used on a bagel in place of sliced bread. Cut side ways into rounds, they can be used in place of crackers with your favorite hors d’oeuvre toppings. Even your favorite drive-up breakfast can be made with a bagel. How about an Egg McBagel?

For a fast, tasty snack, slice the bagel in half. Top each half with tomato sauce or a slice of tomato. Add olives and cheese and any other favorite pizza topping.

Put under the broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese and soften the bagel.

There are many ideas and recipes for using leftovers, but few for leftover or slightly stale bagels. Since bagels come in many flavors, it’s possible to use them for a snack, desert, or a substitute for dressing at dinner.

Here are two recipes you will enjoy creating almost as much as you will enjoy eating.

Desert

Plain or sweet bagels can be substituted for dry bread when making bread pudding. The directions use plain or cinnamon-raisin bagels. Depending on the flavor bagel you use, you may want to eliminate the raisins and cinnamon, although sliced or chopped nuts compliment most any flavor. Chunks of fruit can also be added.

Bagel Pudding

2 cups milk 

1/4 cup margarine
3 eggs

2/3 cups sugar

2 tsp cinnamon     

1/4 tsp nutmeg                                    
1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup raisins (increase to ½ cup if using plain bagels)

3 cups bagels (two bagels)
1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)

1. Heat milk over medium heat until film forms over top. Remove from heat and add margarine. Stir until melted. Cool to lukewarm.

2. Mix eggs, sugar, spices, and vanilla. Beat with mixer at medium speed for one minute. Slowly add milk mixture.

3 Tear bagels into 1 1/2 to 2 inch pieces. Place in lightly greased 1 1/2 quart casserole.

4. Sprinkle with almonds. Pour egg mixture over bagels.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 -50 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla sauce.

Vanilla Sauce

1/2 cup sugar 

1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch
1 cup milk    

2 tablespoons margarine

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