Can you use a yeast starter in a bread machine?

[buckbeak]

Sorry- not a chicken or egg recipe- but the chickens LOVE to eat my bread disasters, which I'd like to avoid! Yeast for the bread machine is pretty expensive to buy & there are recipes for yeast starters all over the web, but can you use these in a bread machine? If so, how much do you use?
Thanks in advance!
Carol

 

[Newchickenmom&kids]

Found this on the net...

http://countrylife.net/pages/recipes/495.html

 

[buckbeak]

Excellent, thanks. But how much of the starter do you use in the bread machine? And do you add it last like dry yeast?

 

[Newchickenmom&kids]

I'm not sure since I don't have a machine...was just searching the net for you...found this which give recipe for the starter and then additional recipes using the starter...maybe you can tell from those. I would think you would use your own starter the same way they are used here...sorry I can't be more help!


http://www.yankeegrocery.com/sourdough_bread/recipe.html

 

[buckbeak]

THanks! I have to run to work now, but will look at it all more later. I was having trouble finding it on my own.

 

[Zenbirder]

I bake all my own bread, and use the bread machine for at least the dough part. If you have access to a Sam's Club or the like you can get yeast in large quantities at dirt cheep prices. That is where the small town bakers get theirs. Fleishman's instant yeast, I think it was 2X one pound packages for between $3 and $4. Keep it in an airtight container in the 'frig and it will last for a very long time. Share it with family and friends if you think you need to.

 

[buckbeak]

Thanks Zenbirder. I thought I'd try a discount food store. I dropped our Sam's club membership a few years back because everytime I walked in there, around $500 leapt out of my wallet!! I did start a yeast starter- it has to go 10 days before I can use it though. I need to figure out how much to use & in what order to put it in since it isn't dry.
Thanks!
Carol

 

[Zenbirder]

Carol,
I would put it in first with the liquids. Here is how I make bread, it might help with the "measuring" aspect:
about 1 1/2 cups water
1 egg
a splash of canola oil
approx 2 cups of fresh ground whole wheat flour
about 2 heaping tablespoons wheat gluten
approx 1/2 tablespoon sugar
a long dash salt
approx 2/3 tablespoon yeast
a scoop more flour
Turn the machine on and let it mix a couple of minutes, it should be like thick batter, then I add more flour by sight 'till I get the right consistancy. Test with a finger for moisture content, you want "not sticky or overly moist but not dry". Scrape the side of the bread machine with a soft spatula if necessary.
I don't really measure anything precisely, and I do vary the ingredients also from time to time. Too much sugar or yeast can over proof it and cause it to fall, so skimp a bit on those at first. After a few loves you should have a feel for how much to add. I don't have a Sam's Club membership either, I send a fixed grocery list with my Mom. Good luck!

 

[buckbeak]

Excellent! Thanks Zenbirder- I need to make bread tomorrow!