Sourdough Bagels

Yield : 15. Add flour, salt, oil, and water (and egg if desired) to the starter. Knead well. Cover and let rise for 3 hours in a warm place in an oiled bowl. Knead again and shape into rings by rolling dough like bread sticks and pinching ends together, or roll out 1/2 inch thick with a rolling pin and cut with a doughnut cutter. Let rise for 1 1/2 hours. Drop bagels into a large pot of boiling water (2 or 3 at a time). When they rise to the surface turn them over and boil 1 minute longer. Put boiled bagels on an oiled baking sheet. Brush with oil or beaten egg mixed with water. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 50 minutes or until golden brown.