Contact: Suzanne M. Holroyd or Marie A. Casey at Casey Communications, Inc., 314/962-0944, or Dee Wetzel at Schnuck Markets, Inc., 314/994-4608.

May 28, 1997

Bagel Tips from Schnucks

Storage

Cool bagels then store at room temperature in a plastic bag.

Freezing

After buying your fresh bagels, you can slice them and place them in a plastic freezer bag. The bagels can be stored in the freezer for several months. When you are ready to eat them, put them directly into the toaster from the freezer.

Reviving

If uncovered bagels become stale before they're eaten, rejuvenate them by dampening lightly with water and they'll toast like new.

Toppings

Follow your taste buds when it comes to spreads and toppings for bagels. Typical toppings include cream cheese, butter, jelly and lox. Be creative! Choose from any of Schnucks' new cream cheese flavors or use bagels as a basis for deli and breakfast sandwiches. If you prefer, skip the topping and enjoy the bagel's delicious baked-in flavor with no toppings.

To Toast or Not to Toast

The choice is yours! Bagels can be warmed in the toaster, halved and laid under a broiler, warmed in a low-temperature oven or eaten at room temperature. Be wary of the microwave. It tends to toughen the bagel's delightful chewy texture.

Making Bagel Chips

Slice bagels into very thin rings and then chop the rings into smaller pieces. Arrange the "chips" in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake until "chips" are browned and crisp. If desired, sprinkle with plain, onion or garlic salt; parmesan cheese; or cinnamon just before you take them out of the oven. Bagel Tips from Schnucks Page Two

Bagel Crumbs

Saute bagel crumbs in butter and herbs, mix with grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over cooked green vegetables. Make a savory or sweet pie crust by combining bagel crumbs with butter and seasonings, pressing the mixture into a pie or quiche pan, and baking for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees. As an alternative, spice the crumbs with cinnamon and nutmeg for a yummy topping for hot cereal or ice cream.

A Bagel For Baby

Many doctors recommend giving a teething baby a bagel to chew on. To prevent crumbling, allow the bagel slice to become somewhat stale and stiff to prevent crumbling.