In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk, give it a gentle stir, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it's foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, add a bit more flour as needed.

Divide and Shape: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it slightly to form a disk. Use your finger to poke a hole through the center and gently stretch the hole to create the classic bagel shape.

Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet. Cover them with gladwrap and let them rest for about 1 - 2 hours.

Preheat your oven to 200°C .

Boil the Bagels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully place a few bagels at a time into the boiling water. Boil for 1-2 minutes on each side. The longer you boil, the chewier the crust will be.

If you want toppings like sesame seeds or poppy seeds, sprinkle them on the bagels right after boiling while they're still moist.

Transfer the boiled bagels to a baking sheet or a preheated baking stone. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Let the bagels cool on a wire rack for a few minutes, then slice, spread with your favourite toppings, and enjoy!