KNOW YOUR INGREDIENTS (CONTINUED)
Fats
Shortening, butter and oil shorten, or tenderize, the texture of yeast breads. French bread gets its unique crust and texture from the lack of fat added. However, breads that call for fat stay fresh longer. If butter is used directly from the refrigerator, it should be cut into small pieces for easier blending during the kneading process.
Baking Powder
Double acting baking powder is a leavening agent used in quick breads and cakes. This type of leavening agent does not require rising time before baking, as the chemical reaction works when liquid ingredients are added and again during baking process.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another leavening agent, not to be confused or substituted for baking powder. It also does not require rising time before baking as the chemical reaction works during baking process.
MEASURING YOUR INGREDIENTS
The most important step when using your Breadman® Pro for making bread is measuring your ingredients. It is very important to measure each liquid and dry ingredient accurately. For best results, add ingredients into the Bread Pan in the order given in each recipe.
Liquid Measurements
Use transparent plastic or glass liquid measuring cups to measure all liquid ingredients. Place the cup on a horizontal flat surface and view markings at eye level. The level of the liquid must be aligned to the appropriate mark of measurement. A “guesstimate” is not good enough, as it could throw off the critical balance of the recipe.
Dry Measurements
Dry ingredients must be measured using standard size dry measuring cups. These cups are available in various sizes. Gently spoon dry ingredients into the measuring cup and level off with a knife. Do not scoop or tap measuring cup, as this will pack the ingredients. This extra amount could affect the balance of the recipe. Do not sift flour in bread making.
When measuring small amounts of dry or liquid ingredients (i.e. yeast, sugar, salt, dry milk, honey or molasses), a standard measuring spoon must be used. Measurements must be level, not heaping.
The Breadman® Pro Bread Maker produces delicious baked goods with ease. This marvelous appliance asks only that you carefully follow the recipe instructions. In most cooking, a pinch of this and a dash of that is fine, but this is not the case for automatic Bread Makers. Using this Breadman® Pro requires that you accurately measure each ingredient.
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