OT/ Bread Maker

[CathydsRNA]

Hi,
I have seen some of you post about recipes for bread for a bread making machine. I have decided to buy one and want to know what type you recommend. Also, I would be interested in any recipe books or web sites with recipes for bread makers. Thanks in advance.

 

[kellib]

i have a Black & Decker bread machine that I received as a gift in '98. It's given me no problems at all. It came with a booklet of different recipes but here's my favorite:

> 3 cups flour (I use about 2.5 bread flour, .5 wheat)
> 1 1/4 Cup Water
> 1/3 cup wheat gluten (you can leave this out - but reduce water to 1 1/4)
> 3 Tablespoons sugar (can be honey or raw sugar, whatever)
> 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (I've gotten away with the low sodium kind)
> 2 teaspoons yeast

I also add a spoonful-ish of the following ingredients:
> flax seeds
> molasses
> oatmeal
> wheat germ
> oat bran

I've never had this recipe fail me. The more bread flour you use, the bigger the bread, the more wheat, the more dense/small. The original recipe called for 3 cups wheat but it just doesn't rise very much.

I love my bread machine and use it probably every other week to make bread. It also prepares pasta dough and pizza dough.

-Kelli

 

[dss62467]

I can't remember the brand of my bread machine (I'm at work, so I can't look), but it's nice because it has a delay cycle, a rapid cycle and will cool the bread if you're away without leaving the bread soggy.

There is a really good bread machine recipe book, "Best Bread Machine Recipes" from Better Homes and Gardens.

 

[WD]

I have a Sunbeam and really like it. It makes 1pd & 1 1/2pound loaves. Has a dough only cycle for if you want to make rolls or something. It also has a delay timer so you can put it in and have it ready later. I have a Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Bread Machine Baking bookthat has a lot of great information on machine bread baking and has a lot of good recipes.
Diane Sue

 

[CathydsRNA]

Thanks everyone. I will going out this weekend to buy one and will order the recipe book online. I'll let you know how my first loaf turns out.

 

[dlavie]

I have a Zojirushi. The only really neat feature is that it preheats before mixing so I don't have to worry about the temp of the product, the yeast works best at a warm temp.

Some other consideration is the loaf shape. Some makers now make a horizontal loaf, similar to grocery store bread. Some have a round vertical or square vertical pan. If your going to use your machine to mix dough and hand form or braid your own loaves the pan or shape doesn't matter.

Look at the controls. Mixed bread (raisin bread), whole grain bread and making dough should have their own cycles. You may even want a timer so you can wake up to just baked cinnamon bread!

Whatever you purchase, be prepared to work out more. I've never been able to maintain portion control with home made bread!

I think I'll bake some bread today. I'm in the mood for Challah.

Dave