general hints and tips
The results of your bread making are dependent on a number of different factors, such as the quality of ingredients, careful measuring, temperature and humidity. To help ensure successful results, there are a few hints and tips worth noting.
The bread machine is not a sealed unit and will be affected by temperature. If it is a very hot day or the machine is used in a hot kitchen, then the bread is likely to rise more, than if it is cold. The optimum room temperature is between 20°C /68°F and 24°C/75°F.
●On very cold days let the water from the tap stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before use. Likewise with ingredients from the fridge.
●Use all ingredients at room temperature unless stated otherwise in the recipe eg. for the rapid 1 hour cycle you will need to warm the liquid.
●Add ingredients to the bread pan in the order suggested in the recipe. Keep the yeast dry and separate from any other liquids added to the pan, until mixing commences.
●Accurate measuring is probably the most crucial factor for a successful loaf. Most problems are due to inaccurate measuring or omitting an ingredient. Follow either metric or imperial measurements; they are not interchangeable. Use the measuring cup and spoon provided.
●Always use fresh ingredients, within their use by date. Perishable ingredients such as milk, cheese, vegetables and fresh fruits may deteriorate, especially in warm conditions. These should only be used in breads, which are made immediately.
●Do not add too much fat as it forms a barrier between the yeast and flour, slowing down the action of the yeast, which could result in a heavy compact loaf.
●Cut butter and other fats into small pieces before adding to the bread pan.
●Replace part of the water with fruit juices such as orange, apple or pineapple when making fruit flavoured breads.
●Vegetable cooking juices can be added as part of the liquid. Water from cooking potatoes contains starch, which is an additional source of food for the yeast, and helps to produce a
●Vegetables such as grated carrot, courgette or cooked mashed potato can be added for flavour. You will need to reduce the liquid content of the recipe as these foods contain water. Start with less water and check the dough as it begins to mix and adjust if it is necessary.
●Do not exceed the quantities given in recipes as you may damage your bread machine.
●If the bread does not rise well try replacing the tap water with bottled water or boiled and cooled water. If your tap water is heavily chlorinated and fluorinated it may affect the bread rising. Hard water can also have this effect.
●It is worth checking the dough after about 5 minutes of continuous kneading. Keep a flexible rubber spatula next to the machine, so you can scrape down the sides of the pan if some of the ingredients stick to the corners. Do not place near the kneader, or impede its movement. Also check the dough to see if it is the correct consistency. If the dough is crumbly or the machine seems to be labouring, add a little extra water. If the dough is sticking to the sides of the pan and doesn’t form a ball, add a little extra flour.
●Do not open the lid during the proving or baking cycle as this may cause the bread to collapse.
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