Whisk your warm water, packet of instant yeast, and pinch of sugar together in a large bowl. Set aside for 5-10 minutes in a warm place to let the yeast activate.

In a separate medium bowl, mix your bread flour, salt, and sugar together.

Once the yeast is activated, pour the dry ingredients into the yeast mixture and stir until it has come together in a rather dry ball.

Pour the dough out onto a floured worktop and knead for 6-7 minutes. Form into a ball.

Once you have finished kneading, lightly oil a bowl and place the lightly oiled kneaded dough into the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean tea towel and place in warm place to let rise for 60-90 minutes or until doubled in size.

Once your dough has risen, punch down into the dough to release any air trapped inside. Pour out onto a lightly floured surface and cut the dough into 8 even pieces of dough.

Roll each dough piece into a ball. Press your fingers through the middle to make a 1”-2” hole in the centre and place onto a tray lined with parchment paper. Cover with a tea towel while the water is brought to a boil.

In a pot, pour in the 2 quarts of water or to fill it to approximately 2/3 full of water. Pour your honey (or brown sugar) into the water and bring to a boil.

Preheat oven to 425℉/220℃/Gas Mark 7.

Once your water has boiled reduce the heat to medium. Place your bagels into the boiling water. You want them to float comfortably in the water so it will depend on the size of your pot how many bagels can be put into the water at a time. For most pots it will be 2-4 bagels.

Boil on one side for 1 minute then flip and boil on the other side for 1 more minute.

Remove from the water and place onto your baking sheet. Continue to do this for the rest of your bagels.

Brush your egg whitewash over each bagel, making sure to get the sides.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking trays halfway through the baking time to ensure even baking of the bagels.

Remove from the oven and let cool. After 5 minutes remove from the trays and transfer to a cooling rack.