I played with making bagels in the APO last year. Made these by steaming in the oven instead of boiling, and then baking in the APO also. I've never had a true NYC bagel, so no idea how they compare. The bottoms were a bit pale, the tops were crackly in a fun way, and there are little bubbles all over the top! No seeds or toppings, just bubble. I need to try these again sometime.
My picture broke; hopefully this one will work better.