Dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water in large mixing bowl. Stir in sugar, salt, and 1.5 cups of flour. beat till smooth. Stir inremaining flour. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead untilsmooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). Place in greased bowl; turn greased side up. turn over and let rise in warm place until double (about 15 minutes). Dough is ready if an indentation remains when touched. Punch down dough; divide into 8 equal parts. Roll each part into a rope 15 cm long; moisten ends with water and pinch together to form a circle. Or, shape each part into a smooth ball; punch hole in center and roll gently to enlarge hole and make uniform shape. Let rise for 20 minutes Heat oven to 190ºC . Heat 2 litre s. water to boiling in large kettle. Reduce heat; add 4 bagels. Simmer for 7 minutes, turning once. Drain on kitchen towel. Repeat with remaining bagels, simmering four at a time. VARIATION: EGG BAGELS: Increase total amount of flour to 4 Cups. knead for 5 minutes. Let rise until double (about 45 minutes). Divide dough into 16 equal parts; shape; and let rise as directed. Add 2 T sugar to boiling water. Simmer for 4 minutes, turning once. Beat 1 egg yolk and 1 T. water slightly; brush over simmering bagels. Bake as directed. Makes 16 bagels