...a bialy in Johnson County KS..?? (Overland Park, Shawnee: live, shops, to eat)

[cazboy]

Sorry for the weird thread title, but I've lived here in Overland Park for a little over a month now and we really love it. The humidity takes some getting used to, but it's been unusually nice lately. Lots to do and see, and most people seem friendly.

But for some reason lately I've been really wanting to eat a bialy! None of the bagel shops have 'em. I saw a deli on Metcalf the other day called d'Bronx and I thought with a name like that, they should have 'em! No dice - they never even HEARD of bialys. Years ago when I lived in California I used to go to a bagel place called Noah's and I'd order them every morning. Now, they tell me they don't carry them anymore.

I don't want to go to New York just for a bialy! Anybody know where they can be had around here??

thanks,
Doug

[Gunluvver2]

Originally Posted by cazboy

Sorry for the weird thread title, but I've lived here in Overland Park for a little over a month now and we really love it. The humidity takes some getting used to, but it's been unusually nice lately. Lots to do and see, and most people seem friendly.

But for some reason lately I've been really wanting to eat a bialy! None of the bagel shops have 'em. I saw a deli on Metcalf the other day called d'Bronx and I thought with a name like that, they should have 'em! No dice - they never even HEARD of bialys. Years ago when I lived in California I used to go to a bagel place called Noah's and I'd order them every morning. Now, they tell me they don't carry them anymore.

I don't want to go to New York just for a bialy! Anybody know where they can be had around here??

thanks,
Doug

oug,
What the heck is a bialy?
One thing I love about NYC is the fantastic variety of ethnic food. However I don't have a clue as to what a bialy is.

GL2

[luzianne]

I have no idea what a bialy is! The humidity - it is NOT usually as humid as it has been the last couple of weeks (until now) this early in the year. August and the beginning of September are usually humid and July is usually SOME humid, but I think it's been more humid this year. And now we are seeing the opposite of that; the last two days it has been unusually cool for July and not so humid. It's 76 right now and that is unheard of in July - although last summer had a lot of cooler than normal days as well. But as a rule, what you have seen this summer is not the norm.

You will love late September/early October. We usually have a long Indian summer, the humidity is gone, but the temps are still in the 70s/80s during the day during most of October and sometimes even into November.

[athfo]

Bialy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Samantha S]

I'm in Chicago, there are Polish bakeries all over the place. Want me to bring some back for you?

[Samantha S]

But seriously, call Barb at

Barb's Kolache Bakery
22354 W 66th St
Shawnee, KS 66226-3560
(913) 422-8300

She might be able to hook you up.

[Samantha S]

Or make your own:

Bialys (P, TNT)
Source: "Secrets of a Jewish Baker," by George Greenstein
Yield: 18 bialys
2 cups warm water
3 packages active dry yeast
4 teaspoons sugar
3 teaspoons salt
6 to 6-1/2 cups bread flour
Flour for dusting (preferably rye flour for added flavor)
Oil for greasing bowl

Topping:
3 tablespoons minced onion
2 teaspoons poppy seeds (optional)
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 pinch salt
Combine topping ingredients and set aside.
In a large bowl sprinkle yeast over the warm water to soften; stir to dissolve. Add the sugar, 6 cups of flour, and salt. Mix thoroughly until dough forms up and comes away from the sides of the bowl. Turn out the dough onto a floured work surface and knead, adding small amounts of flour as needed, for 10 to 12 minutes.

Shape the dough into a ball; place in a large oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover and allow to rise 30 minutes.
Press out all of the air with your fingers and allow to rise until doubled in size (20 to 30 minutes).

Punch down the dough, divide into thirds, roll out under your palms into ropes, and cut each rope in 6 equal pieces. Roll into balls. Cover and allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes.

Roll out each ball into a 3-1/2" circle. If the dough becomes too stiff or shrinks back, allow it to rest and go on to the next piece.

Evenly space the circles on 2 floured or cornmeal dusted baking pans. Cover with flour rubbed cloths and allow to rise until puffy.

Make an indentation from the center outward, leaving a 1" rim. A shot glass with a 1" bottom also works well. Press with a circular motion. Dribble bit of the reserved topping into the hole. Dust lightly with reserved flour.

Cover with cloths and allow to proof until puffed up. Bake without steam in a preheated 450°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

[cazboy]

Originally Posted by Samantha S

I'm in Chicago, there are Polish bakeries all over the place. Want me to bring some back for you?

Heck yeah!! Now yer talkin'!!!!

Originally Posted by Samantha S

But seriously, call Barb at

Barb's Kolache Bakery
22354 W 66th St
Shawnee, KS 66226-3560
(913) 422-8300

She might be able to hook you up.

Samantha, thanks for that....I will certainly go visit Barb's bakery. Shall I tell her you recommended me?

And.....THANKS for the recipe!!

For the rest of you, if you ever get a chance to try a bialy sometime, they are just DELICIOUS!!!

Thanks again to you all.....
Doug in Overland Park KS

[Samantha S]

I don't know that Barb makes Bialies (Bialys?) So you might want to call first. But her stuff (mainly kolaches of course) is delicious, so you will find something you like for sure.

I will try some here in Chicago just for you.

[cazboy]

Originally Posted by Samantha S

I don't know that Barb makes Bialies (Bialys?) So you might want to call first. But her stuff (mainly kolaches of course) is delicious, so you will find something you like for sure.

I will try some here in Chicago just for you.

Hey Samantha,
I called them and their phone message says they're open Tuesdays through Saturdays (closed Sundays & Mondays). Today is Monday so I'll give them a call tomorrow. If they don't make 'em, they should! But maybe they'll know where they can be had around here. At the very least, I'll have to try a kolache. Here's hoping!

Doug in Overland Park KS