old-fashioned montreal-style bagels.

3 Tbsp water

1 1/2 cups water

2 packages 1/2 tsp quick-rising, instant yeast

1 tsp sugar

2 1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 cup plain, unsweetened soy yogurt

1/4 cup canola oil (or other neutral tasting oil)

1/2 cup agave syrup

5 1/2 cups bread flour, plus extra for dusting

3 quarts water for boiling (I filled my large pot with 4-5 inches of water)

1/3 cup malted barley syrup (for the boiling water)

Sesame or poppy seeds (for sprinkling on