Question for bread machine experts

[halo]

I did get the Sunbeam, as it was on sale, and I am generally pleased with it. I just take the bread out a bit early to take care of the crust issue. Ive used both the regular and the rapid rise yeast, and can't see any difference in it. I have several cookbooks coming in the mail; Amazon had a lot of interesting ones listed. Overall, Im very happy to have it and really enjoy it. I may get a couple of loaf bread pans and bake some in the oven, to try it that way. Its been a lot of fun.

 

[Frosty]

I don't have a bread machine, but I have heard from folks in different parts of the country that the yeast isn't rising like it used to. If you want yeast that rises like crazy, Fermipan is really good.

I made the recipe from Mother Earth a few times... first time I didn't use enough flour on the cloth that I put the dough on and had to fight to get my cloth back. Baked it in my old cast iron dutch oven and the family loved it!

Always use instant yeast for your bread machine, regular yeast has to be dissolved in warm water, it can't be added with the flour.

 

[jaku]

Sounds like you got it worked out, but yes- the packets that say "rapid rise" yeast are often called bread machine yeast when in the jars. It's different because you don't have to "proof" the yeast in warm water before use, like with regular dry active yeast. That might be why the regular doesn't work as well in a bread machine. Not 100% sure on the science, but that's my understanding after watching every episode of "Good Eats" that I can get my hands on!

 

[wegotchickens]

Ya'll are making me hungry for homemade bread.
Guess I'd better dig the bread maker back out!

I made homemade pizza crust last time I had it out and it was the BEST! Now I have one of those baking stone things to use for pizzas but I haven't tried it yet...

 

[Agilityscots]

Halo, I'm so glad you got a bread machine! Yay! I bet you'll enjoy it just as much as I have.

I bought a Breadman Deluxe back in October or November and paid about $60 for it. It has paid for itself many, many times over! We enjoy fresh, delicious bread at least once a week, and I don't buy it from the store any more.

Someone here gave me a link to the best bread recipes when I asked for suggestions last fall, and it still stands as the best site, IMO:

http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Bread/Bread-Machine/Top.aspx

The rosemary bread is TO DIE FOR. It makes killer grilled cheese sandwiches if you use sharp cheddar. YUM!

Also, I've never used anything but regular yeast in my bread machine, and I've never had any problems. My machine has a 60-minute warmer that keeps the bread warm after the baking cycle is complete, so I don't have to worry about hard crusts.

Amy

 

[wegotchickens]

Have to try the rosemary bread...
I love rosemary!! I make grilled potatoes with rosemary every time we barbecue.

 

[halo]

Ill have to try that rosemary bread...sounds delish!!

I made a rye bread yesterday....wasnt sure how it would turn out since Ive heard so many say that rye is difficult...well this was perfectly yummy!! Im adding gluten to every recipe, as Ive read its really the secret success ingredient, and havent had a failure since using it.

 

[Agilityscots]

Halo, tell me more about gluten. Does it come in powdered form? And what does it do for bread during the baking process? I'm intrigued.

Amy

 

[halo]

I read about it in Beth Hensperger's book The Bread Lovers Bread Machine cookbook...great book. I found it with all the other flour in the grocery story. Its in a small box, called wheat gluten, or vital wheat gluten...not gluten flour. I add it to all my loaves now. In her book, she says that she singles out gluten as a main ingredient for bread machine baking because all of her testing has shown that it yields a better loaf when added to the dry ingredients. It makes loaves rise higher and gives them more volume. Ive made flawless whole wheat and rye bread, and I would never make it without wheat gluten. You dont add much, she says a few teaspoons per cup of flour. On the box of gluten, it says add 3 or 4 tablespoons per loaf. I think its a vital ingredient for good bread machine loaves.

 

[Agilityscots]

Great, thanks! I've seen this many times at Whole Foods, just didn't have any idea what it was for. I'll pick some up when I go grocery shopping this morning. Thanks!

Amy