Simple Saturday// Homemade Bagels

I LOVE fresh bagels. I had no idea they were so easy to make. Delicious warm out of the oven or toasted days later, this recipe is life changing if you're a bagel lover like me. These bagels are as good as any bakery or coffee shop bagel. Maybe even better. For step-by-step instructions visit Sophisticated Gourmet. I adapted the recipe slightly using instant yeast (doesn't have to activate in water, just use as a typical dry ingredient) and all-purpose flour because that's what I had on hand. I also skipped the whole making a well ordeal with the dry ingredients and just dumped everything in a stand mixer which, in turn, did most of the kneading for me. Besides that, I followed the boiling and baking instructions and the result was gorgeous, delicious, golden bagels! Now I'm hooked! I can't wait to experiment with different flavor combinations. Do yourself a favor this weekend and make some homemade bagels. You won't be sorry.

Simple Saturday// Homemade Grape Juice

 So I went to a farmer's market with my boyfriend a couple weekends back and bought a bunch of concord grapes for two bucks because it was a great deal and concord grapes are SO grapey and delicious! I knew when I bought them there was no way I was actually going to eat all of them and so after munching on them for a few days I took what I had left (about 4 cups of grapes) and decided to make grape juice. Didn't have a recipe, didn't bother looking one up either. Just threw it together and got the best results! It's like liquid candy. Tastes exactly like store bought grape juice except it doesn't leave that sugary film on your teeth after drinking it. Score!

 I put my grapes, stems and all, into a pot with 6 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar then let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the grapes started losing their skins. Then I took a potato masher and muddled the grapes to release all of their juicy goodness into the water. After that, I let it simmer for another 10 minutes or so. I strained the juice mixture with a fine mesh strainer and let it cool. I was left with beautiful, purple, delicious concord grape juice! We drank it within 5 days of being made because there aren't any preservatives in it. This is so easy (and economical) to make! I highly recommend it.

Homemade Double-Fry Potato Chips

 I really love potatoes. They are one of the most versatile vegetables and also create the best snack foods (french fries and potato chips). I love a good chip and homemade chips really can't be beat.

 Start by slicing your potatoes really thinly. My mom and I did these together. Don't worry, I didn't get married all of a sudden ;)

 Soak your potatoes in a bowl of water with some salt mixed in. This will help get rid of some of the starch as well as start the seasoning process. Let them sit for about 10  minutes.

 Pat the potato slices dry. Water and oil are dangerous when frying so you want fairly dry potatoes.

 Start with one test chip to see if the oil is ready, then drop batches of potato slices into the hot oil.

 This is the first fry. Leave them in for a few minutes.

 Then drain them on a paper bag or paper towels.

 After all of your chips have been fried once, let your oil get hot again and start putting in batches for their second fry. This time leave them in until golden brown.

 Drain chips on a paper towel lined baking sheet. Immediately after coming out of the oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, or any other seasoning you like.

 These are so good! Full of rich potato flavor. Enjoy!
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