Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lining a baking tray with parchment paper. This ensures your oven is perfectly hot when your bagels are ready, leading to that lovely golden crust.

Combine Cottage Cheese and Flour: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the 250g of full-fat cottage cheese with the 180g of self-raising flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. If using, now is the time to add your honey/maple syrup, garlic powder, or onion powder. Mix until a shaggy dough starts to form. You’ll notice the mixture transforming from individual ingredients into a somewhat sticky, lumpy mass that holds together.

Knead the Dough: Turn the shaggy dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for about 3-5 minutes. As you work it, the dough will become smoother and more cohesive, losing most of its stickiness and taking on a soft, pliable texture. It should feel smooth and elastic under your hands, no longer rough.

Shape the Bagels: Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball, then gently poke a hole in the centre of each ball with your thumb or finger. Widen the hole by rotating the dough around your finger until it forms a bagel shape, roughly 5-6 cm (2 inches) in diameter with a good-sized hole. The dough will feel soft and slightly springy as you shape it, holding its round form.

Egg Wash and Toppings: In a small bowl, whisk the large egg with a splash of milk or water until well combined and frothy. This creates a beautiful, glossy egg wash. Place your shaped bagels on the prepared baking tray. Brush each bagel generously with the egg wash until they glisten with a pale yellow sheen. Sprinkle your chosen toppings – sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or 'everything' seasoning – evenly over the wet surface. You'll hear the gentle rustle of seeds as they adhere.

Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the baking tray to your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bagels are beautifully puffed up, golden brown on top, and feel firm to the touch. The aroma of freshly baked bread will fill your kitchen, a truly inviting scent. When tapped on the bottom, they should sound hollow, indicating they are cooked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying.