An age old saying goes; the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. This simple fact is experienced when with the help of a bread maker you dish out fresh, hot, homemade bread that makes a world of difference not only to a meal but also in your loved ones. The following points could help you buy the ideal bread maker to cast that magic spell over the special people in your life.
Making the right choice
Browse exclusive websites for bread-makers to find ones with the desired features among the following and narrow down your hunt after comparing the different brands.
1. The capacity: The most important factor to decide on before stepping out is the capacity of the bread machine that you will require. Take into consideration the fact that the consumption of homemade bread is more, before choosing between 1-, 1 ½ and 2 lb loaves capacities.
2. Dough mixer: If it is only for the mixing of dough as is required for pizza or rolls that you need it, search accordingly.
3. Delay timer: Look for a bread maker with this facility if you want the bread ready at a particular time.
4. Indicators: Seek ones that allow you to add more ingredients while the mixing of the dough is on.
5. The “keep warm” feature: This option is very useful as it retains the heat of the bread till the time when you need it.
6. The crust control facility: This enables you to get a perfect bake or a bake of your choice.
7. Versatility: Find one with extra features for baking different kinds of bread like French bread, fruit bread and whole wheat bread and you will have your partner or family smitten by your baking skills.
8. The shape of the loaf: If you are particular about the shape of the bread, find a make that suits your taste.
9. Service: Enquire about the after-sales service offered by the company.
10. Assurance: Check the warranty of the product.
Baking the perfect bread
• Instant bread
Contrary to belief, bread baking is child’s play. All that you will need will be a bread maker and a bread mix, a variety of which is available in the market and through websites dedicated to bread making, to produce hot and fluffy temptations at home.
Things required
- Bread maker
- Bread mix used for preparing white, wheat or wholegrain bread of a favourable flavour along with some fruits and nuts. Buy one that is meant to be baked in a bread maker.
Method: Follow the directions on the package and on the bread maker for preparing the dough and filling it, respectively. Adjust the timer after closing the lid and leave it undisturbed until the timer beckons you after the job is done. Slicing after the bread cools a little gives sharper result.
• Homemade bread
You will discover when you try the following recipe that the heavenly, all pervading aroma of tasty, wholesome homemade bread baking in the kitchen fills not only your home but also hearts.
Things required
- Flour
- Salt
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Vegetable oil or butter
- Water
- Large bowls
- Mixing spoon
- Bread pans
- 2 teaspoons of ground flaxseed or crushed nuts (optional) for nutrition
Method: Check the quality of the yeast. The better the quality of the yeast, the better the bread made. Test it by dissolving it in warm water and adding the sugar to it. It will foam up if it is good. Now mix well all the ingredients except the flour. Then add the flour cup by cup kneading all the while. Knead well by folding and turning till the dough is soft and stretchy. Now cover it with a towel and keep aside in a warm place to allow it to rise up to double its original quantity. Then thump it to force the air out of it. It is now ready to be shaped into loaves and kept in a greased loaf pan. Allow it to double up again before baking it at 400 degrees F till the crust is golden brown and the loaf is hollow when knocked with the knuckles.
There are innumerable websites that provide recipes for making different types of bread and rolls. Trying them out could hearten you that winning hearts is as simple and easy as baking in your own bread maker.
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