Few things warm the heart and stimulate the senses like the smell of fresh bread baking. Fortunately bread machines offer time-crunched bread lovers a simple way to take the "fuss" out of "fresh" with the flick of a button.
Operating on computer chip technology, the automatic bread machine (or auto bakery) is an appliance that performs all the steps in baking bread. The machine consists of a non-stick container with a mixing and kneading arm nestled inside an electronically controlled heating unit. All that is required is measuring the ingredients into the container and programming the machine.
It's true, bread machines take the hassle out of home baking. But there are some basic strategies for success. Whether using a bread machine mix or a standard recipe, the experts advice consumers to know their machines. Always follow the ingredient order specified by the manufacturer and make sure all ingredients are at room temperature (unless otherwise specified in the recipe or manual).
The five most common problems:
- Bread is rising and falling. Solution: Decrease water by 2 tablespoons and yeast by ý teaspoon.
- Bread is rising too much or not enough. Solution: When bread is rising too much, decrease flour by 2 tablespoons, water by 1 tablespoon and yeast by 1/4 teaspoon. When bread isn't' rising enough, increase the above ingredients by the amounts listed.
- Bread is doughy. Solution: Decrease water by 2 tablespoon and check the dough ball for excess moisture.
- Crust is too dry and chewy. Solution: Use milk instead of water and decrease the sugar by up to 50 percent.
- Crust it too light. Solution: Use honey instead of sugar; reduce liquid by same amount as honey added.
Photo courtesy of the Wheat Foods Council
