Bread machines & bread making. (butter, good tasting, expensive, recipe)

[Grandpa Pipes]

I've gotten interested in bread making. Any help with machine selection and supplies would be welcome.

[Ohiogirl81]

Mine is an inexpensive Oster bread maker. Seems to do the job just fine. It came with a measuring cup and measuring spoon, and recipes.

You don't need special equipment or supplies, other than yeast, flour, butter, salt, and sugar, honey or molasses. Just like when you're making bread by hand, you learn how to judge if the dough needs more water or more flour.

[theprask]

I have never used a bread machine. When I bake bread, I do everything by hand.

[PAhippo]

yup-make it by hand too.

[Hedgehog_Mom]

I had an Oster bread machine. It was great. I gave it away because I didn't like to bake bread in the machine, didn't like the shape of the loaf. I was using the bread machine to make dough and then shaping the dough myself, and I realized that it was easier and faster to make the dough with my stand mixer and then just let it rise in the oven before shaping it.

[Grandpa Pipes]

With just the wife and I at home today I figure that I can save a bit of money and have fun making some good tasting bread at home. I'm not interested in the traditional way to make one or two loaves a week so I bought two machines to try from Amazon (love their return policy!!) so I can keep the one I like best to play with.

With us both being diabetic making our own bread should help control carbs and all the bad stuff found in store bought food. Heck, just learning how to do this is gonna be fun so away I go!!!!!!!!

[CFoulke]

I have a Cuisinart my husband bought for me and I have used it a few times, but not nearly enough. I forget I have it actually, and the recipe book that came with it has some great stuff in it. I should dig it out and fire it up. It makes either a 1 lb. or a 2 lb. loaf and it is very nice.

[theatergypsy]

Years ago, with a big family, I frequently baked bread, rolls, etc. No machine. The best part was the kneading. Sure gets rid of a lot of frustration - pushing that dough around the board.

I have a couple of acquaintances who have bread machines - usually a gift from the hubs - and after the first couple of weeks, the machines were relegated to the back of the pantry and only brought out around holiday time for specialty baking.

[greatblueheron]

Good for you, GP! Most machines will be quite similar...buy a brand you trust.
A few tips-

Strickly follow directions of your machine...
Water must be rm temp-not out of tap
Yeast must be fresh!
Use good quality bread flour (King Arthur brand )

The shape of loaf can come out odd-at least from my machine. I also find it a bit hard to slice...maybe someone has tips on this...

usually I just grab a warm hunk off the loaf and enjoy!

[cb at sea]

I do it by hand, too. The loaves that machines make just don't suit me! And, I actually prefer rolls, rather than a loaf!