Bread machines are self-contained appliances that mix the ingredients, knead the dough, attain proper temperature to raise the dough and finally bake a loaf of bread. Making bread by hand can be very time consuming, and it can be difficult to reach and maintain proper temperature for the loaf to rise. Breach machines are found in many homes and are a time-saving appliance that makes it much easier to put homemade bread on the dinner table. Due to the fact that the machine is self-contained, there are some specific steps that should be taken to ensure a perfect loaf of bread every time.
The Facts
Bread machines have a special pan in which all of the ingredients are placed. This pan has a paddle that affixes into the bottom of it, which then sits into a gear in the bottom of the bread machine unit. This paddle allows the bread machine to mix the ingredients and then knead the dough.
The bread machine unit has the ability to heat up the ingredients to the proper temperature, depending on the style of bread, before mixing, kneading and rising. The bread machine can also reach temperatures required to bake the bread. Because of the high temperatures that are required to bake bread, the unit is vented and should be operated on an open counter top.
Homemade bread generally does not last as long as store-bought bread because homemade bread does not contain the preservatives that are found in store-bought bread. Some homemade bread recipes will make loaves last longer than others, the main example being sourdough breads. Wheat gluten (4 teaspoons) can be added to most recipes to increase the life of the loaf. An added benefit of wheat gluten is it will make a lighter loaf of bread.
Benefits
The main benefit of the bread machine is convenience for the user. The user simply needs to add the ingredients to the pan, select the bread type and then start the machine. The bread machine does all of the work of kneading and baking. The convenience of bread machines has re-popularized bread baking in the home. Some models of bread machines have capitalized on this and have added special features that allow users to create custom bread programs or even introduce additives to their bread recipes. Popular additives include herbs, spices, cheeses and even pepperoni.
Features
Many bread machines have numerous programs or cycles that a user can choose from. These programs allow the user to select white, whole-wheat or European-style (French) breads. Additional programs are available on some models that allow the user to make specialty breads or even simply make dough that will be baked in a standard oven. This program is often referred to as a pizza-dough program. A key pad allows the user to select the program to make the loaf of bread. Many models include options, such as loaf size--with 1 pound, 1.5 pounds and 2 pounds being the standards--and crust controls, such as light, medium or dark.
Function
Ingredients are layered in the bread machine in a specific order, based on each manufacturer's instructions. The key to order is that the yeast must not touch the liquids or the salt prior to the bread machine starting the mixing process. The liquids can activate the yeast, which if activated does not get mixed with flour, and any sugars in the recipe can die. Salt will kill the yeast, and these ingredients should not be added in succession. Generally, the order is liquids first, followed by salt, other dry ingredients and finally the yeast and any solid oils. Sometimes, this order is reversed with the yeast being added first, followed by solid oils, dry ingredients, salt and finally all of the liquids.
Type
Bread machines traditionally made a vertically oriented loaf that was rectangular in shape. As bread machines have progressed, many of them are now available that make a horizontally oriented loaf. The loaves are still smaller than what is often purchased in the store, but similar in size and shape of traditional home made loaves. Bread machines can offer programs that allow the user to choose the size, type and crust color of the loaf. Many bread machines allow the user to customize programs. Many bread machines offer a delay start feature, as well. This allows the user to start the bread machine in the morning, set the delay start feature and have warm bread right out of the bread machine with an evening meal. This feature should not be used with recipes that have dairy products or meat additives in them.
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