Results: Can It Truly Be Called A Bagel?

Up for debate...can a bagel without a hole truly be called a bagel?

The hole is an essential part of the bagel. But what if bagels didn't have holes, a new campaign from cream cheese maker Philadelphia asks? They've challenged five bagel shops across North America — including St-Viateur in Montreal — to offer "a limited-edition, no-hole bagel." St-Viateur's creation, which looks more like a dough spiral than a bagel with the hole omitted, was offered through Feb. 12. Did you by chance, try this hole-less bagel at any of the five locations?

The verdict is still out on a bagel without a hole campaign, but this is not the first time such a campaign has been launched. Panera Bread tried a hole-less bagel, while a few years ago, Kraft, also the maker of cream cheese, launched a campaign calling for more surface for spreading cream cheese. Would you prefer your bagel to be...

Ever wondered why bagels have holes in the middle? The basic shape is hundreds of years old and serves lots of practical advantages besides an even cooking and baking of the dough. The hole also allowed them to be threaded or piled high on a dowel which made them easier to transport and display. Did you know this?