🌈 After the Storm, Rainbows Follow- Rainbow Bagels

They say after the storm, rainbows follow.  I can confirm that it's true.

After my breakup, it did nothing but rain in Philadelphia. And I mean, flash flood warning every other day type of rain. 

But that meant that I saw a lot of rainbows while out for my walks around my new neighborhood. I took it as a sign that I was in fact on the right path. 

To celebrate this new beginning, I’ve picked up a new hobby: making bagels. Instead of dropping $25+ dollars on fancy bagels and schmears daily, I figured this could be a fun (and therapeutic) way to enjoy my newfound freedom—and reconnect with baking, one of my first loves.

I didn’t grow up making bagels. But I am growing through a season that requires softness, patience, and carbs. And that’s where The Schmear Show™ comes in—part baking experiment and part emotional cleanse. Because healing isn’t linear… but I think it can be delicious.

So it's only right we make rainbow bagels! Swirled by hand, kneaded with purpose, and baked with the kind of energy that only comes after crying in your car, dancing in your kitchen, and deciding you deserve something beautiful… even if it’s just breakfast.

This week’s flavor? ✨ Rainbow Bagels with Birthday Cake Schmear!

They're bold. They're bright. They remind me that no matter how messy life gets, I can still choose joy. And sprinkles.

🌈 Rainbow Bagels (Small Batch – Makes 4)

📝 Ingredients:

• 2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose)

• ½ tbsp sugar

• ¾ tsp salt

• ½ tbsp (1½ tsp) instant yeast (or proofed active dry yeast)

• ½ to ⅔ cup warm water

• Gel food coloring (3–4 colors)

• Optional: ½ tbsp honey for boiling water

Dough Instructions:

Option 1: Stand Mixer

1. In your mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

2. Use the dough hook on low, gradually add warm water.

3. Knead on medium (speed 2) for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Option 2: By Hand

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

2. Slowly stir in warm water with a wooden spoon or your hand.

3. Knead on a floured surface for 10–12 minutes until smooth and springy.

Divide & Color:

1. Split dough into 3–4 pieces.

2. Add gel coloring to each piece and knead until vibrant.

3. Let each dough rise in a lightly oiled bowl for 60–90 minutes.

Shape:

1. Roll colored dough into ropes, twist or stack them, then form into bagel rings.

2. Let rest 20–30 minutes.

Boil & Bake:

1. Boil bagels 30–60 seconds per side (optional: add honey to water).

2. Bake at 425°F for 18–22 minutes until shiny and lightly golden.

   
   

   🎂 Birthday Cake Schmear (for Rainbow Bagels)

   🍰 Ingredients:

   • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)

   • 1½ tbsp powdered sugar

   • ½ tsp vanilla extract

   • ⅛ tsp almond extract (the secret to that nostalgic birthday cake flavor)

   • 1 tbsp rainbow sprinkles

   • Optional: pinch of salt to balance sweetness

   🛠️ Instructions:

   1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth and fluffy.

   2. Gently fold in the sprinkles.

   3. Chill for 15–20 minutes before spreading on your rainbow bagel! Or spread it immediately. It's your life, I won't tell ya how to live it.