Bread machine questions

[cassie]

I just acquired a bread machine. I have made two loaves of bread. The crust is hard, rather like eating a cracker. The bread itself is a little heavier than I would like but still quite acceptable. I set the machine at BASIC WHITE and crust at MEDIUM. Should I set it at LIGHT crust? Any suggestions on how to get an airier (less dense) loaf? Would buttermilk bread be more tender? I have a recipe for a buttermilk bread.

 

[springvalley123]

I would set it for light crust instead of medium. Also, is it rising OK, not over-rising then falling etc? If so, the elevation at which you live makes a big difference. I've had bread m/c's at 1100, 2000 and 4000 ft above sea level, and had to adjust the salt, yeast and sugar for each location.

 

[cassie]

It is not over rising. I live in Missouri. I don't think Missouri HAS any high elevations. I used to live in California, and California definitely does. I will try the light crust setting