Check the article

MAIN ARTICLE

Best 9 Bread Maker Tips To Have A Good Bread

Bread machines are designed to be virtually automatic, allowing you to put in the ingredients and get the perfect loaf. While this is true in most cases, there are a few things to keep in mind and learn to get great results every time.In this guide, we will show you how to use your bread machine to get perfect bread. Whether you have recently purchased a bread machine or want to get better results from your machine, there are a few basic things to keep in mind when making bread. First of all, getting the right ingredients for a successful loaf is essential.Use the right flourWhen making bread, use a strong bread flour. It contains more gluten than regular flour , which helps the bread rise. Regular flour can be used in bread machines with a cake program, but this usually involves mixing the ingredients beforehand and using the bread machine as a simple oven. However, it is also possible that you may not get the yeast you want, so proceed with caution and if your bread does not have the volume you expect, check that you have used the right type of flour.Using the bread machine yeastAnother key ingredient for good bread is yeast which, through the fermentation process, produces the carbon dioxide needed for the bread to rise. The most suitable dry yeast is one that does not require pre-fermentation. It is usually indicated on the package whether the yeast is compatible with the bread machine. The words “easy baking”, “fast action” and “quick” are found on this type of yeast. Active dry yeast can be used, but it must be dissolved in water before it is used in the bread machine.Dried yeast is usually sold in sachets or small cans. It is important to ensure that the sachet or can is properly sealed after each use and stored in the refrigerator after opening. Once opened, the yeast should be used within two to three months: if you use outdated yeast, you risk getting inedible bread (believe me, I’ve tried).Some machines have automatic yeast dispensers, while others require you to put the yeast in the container. In the latter case, it is best to add the yeast first or last, so that the flour does not come into contact with the liquid too soon. If this happens, the bread may not rise sufficiently. This is especially important when using a timer.Ingredient balance is importantMeasuring the right amount of ingredients is essential; follow any recipe carefully .For example, adding a little salt helps strengthen the gluten, while too much salt can kill the yeast. Sugar feeds the yeast, which will consume a small amount during the fermentation process, but too much sugar can make the bread too dark. Too little liquid in the dough can make the bread dense and flat, but too much liquid can make the bread full of cavities, rise too high or even sink in the center.AdvertismentYou can find recipes and tips on the right balance of flour and yeast in our bread machine recipe guide.Use room temperature ingredients for most recipes.It is best to keep all ingredients at room temperature unless otherwise stated in the recipe. If liquids are used that are too hot, the yeast will die. While there is also a general warning about adding liquids at refrigerator temperature – bread may not rise as well – it is better to go cold than to try to heat refrigerated ingredients, such as dairy products.Ambient temperature and humidity are also factors that only in extreme cases affect bread. Some bread machines, such as the Panasonic SD-ZP2000 , claim to measure ambient temperature and self-adjust during the baking process.The basics of the machineThe results will obviously depend on your bread machine, so check out our guide to the best bread machines. But whatever the model, you will probably use a machine with a removable pan and kneading blade.To avoid spilling something inside the bread machine, you need to remove the pan from the machine. I find it easier to put the pan on the scale and weigh the ingredients that way. But first make sure the kneading blade is in place. Inserting it after adding the flour is at best messy; at worst, you end up with a loaf that has not been mixed and baked properly, which is disappointing.Finally, remember to remove the bread from the pan immediately after baking. Otherwise, the bread may become mushy and even crumble due to excess moisture. The kneading blades can sometimes get stuck in the bread; be sure to cut the bread well before slicing. Some appliances, such as the Swan SB1041N QuickBake, have a hook to remove the blade; any thin, sharp object will be useful in this case.Baking programs.Bread machines usually have a selection of programs with preset baking times, but some also offer customizable functions. In general, it is best to follow a program unless you have noticed that the indicated time leaves the bread over- or undercooked.The setting to use depends on the recipe. In general, there are programs for white bread, whole wheat bread, gluten-free bread, and at least “quick” bread. The “quick” setting halves the baking time, but this means that the dough will have less time to rise and more yeast will need to be added. In my experience, more expensive bread machines tend to perform better in this regard, with little difference between loaves, while inexpensive options can struggle.Most bread machines have a program called “bread only” or “cake only,” which does not involve kneading or rising. A program for adding nuts or other small pieces is also common. Some bread machines beep to indicate when to add these other ingredients; others have an automatic dispenser. High-end bakeries may include programs for brioche, sourdough, and rye bread.Thinking beyond the dough bowlA bread machine is primarily designed to produce a loaf of bread the same size as your bread pan. For most days, this will probably be enough, but what if you want to make pizzas or sandwiches? In that case, the bread machine can help because it can mix the ingredients and rise the bread for you. Once it’s done, you can remove the dough and use it however you want, such as creating a pizza or cutting the dough into sandwich-sized pieces and baking them. This technique also allows you to create more rustic-looking breads, shaped by hand before baking the bread.The dough made with the bread machine should not be used immediately. It can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Note that the dough will continue to rise despite the cold, so you will need to leave some space in the container. Once the dough is out of the refrigerator, turn it off and let it rest for a while at room temperature.AdvertismentAlthough most dough recipes are suitable for the machine, it is advisable to stick to the minimum amounts of flour recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions. If too few ingredients are used, they may not mix and knead well in a large pan. Below is a selection of dough recipes that can be made with the bread machine.Freezing doughIf you make more dough than you need, you can also freeze the results. It is best to freeze the dough after kneading, before the first rise. Spread the dough you want to freeze on a tray or plate and place it in the freezer. After about an hour, remove the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container.When you are ready to use the dough, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Remove the dough and place it in a warm place for the first rise, keeping in mind that it will probably take twice as long to knead. Then use the bread as usual. Frozen dough should last about four weeks.Additional FeaturesMost bread machines not only bake breads and cakes, but often include other features. Another popular feature of bread machines is the jam program: simply add sugar and chopped fruit or berries (and a little pectin powder if you prefer your jam). Check out these recipes for summer fruit jam, apricot jam and blueberry jam.AdvertismentTO READ MORE :Best 7 Cake Decorating Tips as a beginner