Hints and tips, For better bread making

Breville BEM800 Hints and tips, For better bread making, Sponging yeast, Warm area for rising

Hints and tips

For better bread making

•Do check the ingredients and read the recipe before starting to bake.

•Do measure ingredients accurately

— weighed measurements are more accurate than volume measurements.

•Do use bread flour unless recipe states otherwise.

•Do check use-by-dates on ingredients.

•Do add ingredients in the order stated in the recipe.

•Do store opened ingredients in airtight containers.

•Do use ingredients at room temperature.

•Don’t use flour that contains a protein level of less than 11%.

•Don’t use tableware cups, jugs or spoons for measuring.

•Don’t use hot water or liquids.

•Don’t use self-raising flour to make yeasted bread unless recipe states otherwise.

•If you live in a high altitude area above 900m you will probably need to alter the yeast quantity in the bread recipe. The higher the altitude, the lower the air pressure and the faster the dough will rise. Try reducing the yeast by ¼ teaspoon.

•If the weather is hot and humid, reduce the yeast by ¼ teaspoon to avoid over rising of the dough.

•Flour properties can alter on a seasonal or storage basis, so it may be necessary to adjust the water and flour ratio. If the dough is too sticky, add extra flour 1 tablespoon at a time if the dough is too dry add extra water 1 teaspoon at a time. A few minutes is needed for these extra ingredients to be absorbed. Dough with the correct

amount of flour and water should form into a smooth, round ball that is damp to the touch but not sticky.

•When hand-shaping dough for rolls, weigh each piece of dough for more evenly sized rolls.

Sponging yeast

•Instant active dried yeast is used in the recipes in this book however fresh or compressed yeast can be substituted, if required, for specific flavour or religious dietary requirements.

•Fresh or compressed yeast needs to be ‘sponged’ (fermentation started) before adding to the other ingredients.

•To substitute, use three times the amount of fresh or compressed yeast for the amount of dry yeast in a recipe.

•To sponge the yeast: Place the quantity of fresh compressed yeast in the quantity of (warmed) water from the recipe together with 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon flour into a clean glass bowl, stir to dissolve and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to stand in a warm area (30ºC) for about 30 minutes or until the mixture starts to bubble and froth. This mixture should be used without delay.

Warm area for rising

•Yeast, either when sponging or in the dough, requires warmth to rise.

•To create a ‘warm area’ for dough to rise, place baking tray over a bowl of fairly warm water, place prepared dough item on baking tray, cover loosely with lightly greased thicker-style plastic wrap or a tea towel. Ensure kitchen is warm and free of draughts. Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size.

BEM800 specifications

The Breville BEM800 is a high-quality stand mixer designed for both amateur and professional bakers alike. This versatile kitchen appliance combines powerful performance with sleek aesthetics, making it a valued addition to any culinary space. One of the standout features of the BEM800 is its robust mixing capability, powered by a strong motor that can handle tough doughs and batters with ease.

The mixer features a planetary mixing action, which ensures that ingredients are mixed evenly and thoroughly. This technique involves the mixing bowl rotating in one direction while the beater rotates in the opposite direction, allowing for consistent mixing and eliminating the need to stop and scrape down the bowl frequently.

Another significant characteristic of the Breville BEM800 is its easy-to-use controls. The mixer is equipped with a variable speed selector, enabling users to adjust the mixing speed according to the task at hand. It offers up to 12 different speeds, providing precision whether you are whipping egg whites or kneading bread dough. Additionally, the mixer features an automatic sensor that monitors the load, adjusting the speed when necessary to ensure optimal performance.

The design of the BEM800 also prioritizes user convenience. Its large 5-quart stainless steel mixing bowl can handle substantial batches, making it ideal for larger families or baking enthusiasts. The bowl is equipped with a handle for easy lifting and pouring, further enhancing usability.

Moreover, the Breville BEM800 comes with a variety of attachments, including a flat beater, dough hook, and whisk, catering to various culinary tasks. The attachments are easy to switch out, allowing for quick transitions between tasks without hassle.

The mixer also boasts a tilt-head design, offering easy access to the bowl and attachments. This feature simplifies the process of adding ingredients and removing the bowl for serving or cleaning.

With its combination of powerful performance, user-friendly features, and stylish design, the Breville BEM800 stand mixer is an excellent investment for anyone who enjoys baking and cooking. Whether making simple mixtures or complex bakery items, this mixer delivers consistent results, making every baking endeavor enjoyable and successful. For those who appreciate both form and function in their kitchen appliances, the Breville BEM800 stands out as a top choice.