Bagels June 27, 1996January 30, 2017 Bagels: the staff of life. But what if they go stale? Just give them 15 or 20 seconds in the microwave. It’s a miracle! Indeed, you will never have to throw out stale bagels or bread or buns or muffins again. Think of the money you’ll save! (I’m less sure what to do if they’re moldy. I know mold on cheese can be a good thing.) The same microwave nightmare that reheats but turns a crispy pizza crust mushy is the salvation of your stale baked goods. You heard it here first. Or has Martha Stewart beaten me to it?