topic BREADMAKING in Kitchen

BREADMAKING

eddyandme — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:23:50 GMT

I ordered a bread machine today - it was an amazon lightening deal.

Baked bread years ago when it was the "in" thing. Then donated the machine. But, could be my imagination, everything is so much higher at the grocery stores lately - even bread (the good breads, not the soft spongy ones).

Any opinions regarding homemade vs. store bought breads?

Re: BREADMAKING

3suwm5 — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:26:10 GMT

I've always loved 'homemade bread'. I enjoy the whole grain, hearty kinds. The best part is the smell in the house for hours, can't get enough of that.

Re: BREADMAKING

froggy — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:28:03 GMT

Well, I for one eat a LOT more bread when I have homemade bread. And a lot more butter.

Re: BREADMAKING

poppinfresh — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:30:06 GMT

I have baked all of our bread for the last 7 years. What made me do that? I had a loaf of store bought bread in my refridgerator, because it can be so humid here it molds quickly, and that loaf of bread was still good after 2 months. Scared me wondering what was in it that made it last so long and not go bad. I immediatly ordered a mini zo, as there is just the two of us, I made several different kinds of bread, rolls, pizza dough...etc. Now I only use it once in a while as I am attempting to perfect sour dough breads made with a starter, but I love my mini zo and love knowing exactly what is in my bread. You will love it!!

Re: BREADMAKING

Sooner — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:32:31 GMT

@eddyandme wrote:
I ordered a bread machine today - it was an amazon lightening deal.

Baked bread years ago when it was the "in" thing. Then donated the machine. But, could be my imagination, everything is so much higher at the grocery stores lately - even bread (the good breads, not the soft spongy ones).

Any opinions regarding homemade vs. store bought breads?

I have had a bread machine since August of 1992. Actually, I'm on the fourth one! My Zojirushi mini turns out perfect loaves every time and is enough for 2 people to eat up before it goes stale. Homemade bread stales far quicker.

It makes very good breads and the variety is endless. The big Zojirushi I have makes good bread also, but it is a lot of bread.

Sometimes store bought breads (the good ones, multi grain, and often costly) are better for sandwiches. So to me, it is a whole different thing between homemade and bought. We make a lot of bread, but we buy a lot too.

Part of making it is it's fun, but is also more work. Also you'll store a lot of flour and such. But I doubt with the investement in a bread machine and the ingredients, homemade would ever be cheaper. Sometimes better, not really cheaper.

Re: BREADMAKING

LIG1 — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 23:42:26 GMT

Re: BREADMAKING

Carmie — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:41:11 GMT

I have celiac disease and oh, what I wouldn't would do to eat a slice of nice warm home made bread. I haven’t had any for about 33 years.

i was at Costco last week and wanted to buy a loaf of Artisan bread for my sister as a surprise. It was $7.99 a loaf.

I could make that for way less.

Home made anything is the best. It is less expensive and you know exactly what’s in it. Also, not all commercial kitchens are clean.

My brother worked for a big commercial bread company after he gredualted from high school. You would recognize the brand if I told you which one. After that he would never eat bread filling made with cubed bread sold in a bag. When I would ask why, he said he wasn’t allowed to say...but he told me to just not eat it.

Enjoy, and happy eating.

Re: BREADMAKING

QVCkitty1 — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:48:43 GMT

I have a TFal bread maker, and there is a lemon cranberry bread recipe that I make all of the time for friends and family, it is delicious. One problem that I have had is that lately it has been hard to find bread flour in my area's stores, I may be forced to order it.

Re: BREADMAKING

eddyandme — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:50:09 GMT

@poppinfresh @Sooner. I didn't get the Zo, which is hands down, the best breadmaker on the planet! The SKU was on the lightening sale, which is a good beginner's model from what I've read.

Question - you girls are the experts, do I have to get special breadflour or will the all-purpose do?

Re: BREADMAKING

libbyannE — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:53:39 GMT

I still use the bread machine I bought when they first came out. They were pricey then, but we have enjoyed it, so it was worth the investment. However, when I'm in the mood, I still prefer making what I call real bread the old-fashioned way. There is something so comforting and satisfying about making the dough, kneading it, letting it rise, punching it down, kneading it again, and shaping it into loaves. We don't eat a lot of bread, so I don't make it every week. But every two or three weeks in cool weather, I get in the mood. It's fun to play with different flours and other ingredients

Re: BREADMAKING

eddyandme — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:55:10 GMT

@poppinfresh wrote:
I have baked all of our bread for the last 7 years. What made me do that? I had a loaf of store bought bread in my refridgerator, because it can be so humid here it molds quickly, and that loaf of bread was still good after 2 months. Scared me wondering what was in it that made it last so long and not go bad. I immediatly ordered a mini zo, as there is just the two of us, I made several different kinds of bread, rolls, pizza dough...etc. Now I only use it once in a while as I am attempting to perfect sour dough breads made with a starter, but I love my mini zo and love knowing exactly what is in my bread. You will love it!!

@poppinfresh, I've been thinking the same way - so many additives in everything these days. I got the SKU and it makes 1, 1.5 and 2lbs loaves. Aside from freezing it, I can give it to the turkeys as they are always at the back gate waiting for food - it won't go to waste! Plus, I'll probably start making my own pizza again - it'll be much easier with the breadmaker to do the work.

Re: BREADMAKING

eddyandme — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:58:39 GMT

@QVCkitty1 wrote:
I have a TFal bread maker, and there is a lemon cranberry bread recipe that I make all of the time for friends and family, it is delicious. One problem that I have had is that lately it has been hard to find bread flour in my area's stores, I may be forced to order it.

@QVCkitty1, someday after the holidays when you've got a minute, can I have that recipe? Didn't know if could use all-purpose flour but ck'd on prime pantry - they have many flours listed.

Re: BREADMAKING

poppinfresh — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 00:01:43 GMT

Goldenlocks...there are alot of breadmakers out there and I am certain you will really enjoy the one you bought. I do not use special bread flour in my breadmaker. I either get bread flour or all purpose flour...usually all purpose flour. they all work just fine. Have fun!!

And just so you know, making your bread is alot cheaper than buying,

Re: BREADMAKING

Sooner — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 00:07:20 GMT

@eddyandme I use both. Bread flour has more protein and makes a firmer loaf. Regular flour has less protein (look on the side of the bag to see just how much) and makes a softer loaf, not as good for sandwiches, etc.

King Arthur flour has a very high protein content, which makes a really nice loaf of bread but would be pretty stiff to knead if you were doing it by hand. If the dough is too stiff, you may need to use a tbsp or two less flour if you are using King Arthur bread flour. Depends on the recipe and the age of the flour, etc.

Re: BREADMAKING

MarkeieMark — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 00:14:53 GMT

Please pass the butter!

Re: BREADMAKING

QVCkitty1 — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 00:34:36 GMT

@eddyandme wrote:
@QVCkitty1 wrote:
I have a TFal bread maker, and there is a lemon cranberry bread recipe that I make all of the time for friends and family, it is delicious. One problem that I have had is that lately it has been hard to find bread flour in my area's stores, I may be forced to order it.
@QVCkitty1, someday after the holidays when you've got a minute, can I have that recipe? Didn't know if could use all-purpose flour but ck'd on prime pantry - they have many flours listed.
Sweet Bread. 2Lb. Loaf

1 1/2 cups warm water
3Tbs veg. Oil
1 1/2 teaspoon. Salt
4Tbs. Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon. Lemon extract
4 cups bread flour
1 1/2 teaspoon. Yeast
2/3 cup dried fruit

My machine says add water,oil, salt, sugar, extract and flour to bread pan.
sprinkle yeast on top. Start machine. Your machine instructions will tell you when to add extras like the fruit.
I add grated lemon peel with the cranberries to amp up the lemon flavor

I hope you enjoy it.

Re: BREADMAKING

eddyandme — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 00:42:31 GMT

@QVCkitty1

Sounds Delish!

If I can pick up some breadflour at the grocery store I'll bring it to Christmas dinner! (Amazon promises to get it here before Christmas!)

Thank you, @QVCkitty1.

Re: BREADMAKING

Daysdee — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 01:34:03 GMT

Good for you and enjoy! I bought a bread machine from QVC when they first came on and were "the rage." It made a round loaf. Later I bought another bread machine and used it for years and then stored it away. A little over two years ago I decided to start making my own bread again. The machine didn't seem to work well so a bought a mini Zo. since I live alone. I have never bought store bread since then. It makes the one pound loaf which works out great for me. I usually store in the the fridge and either make toast or pop a slice in the toaster just to warm the bread. I love it. No running to the store just for bread! A cookbook I like is "The Bread Machine Cookbook" revised edition by Donna Rathmell German. I bought it at Amazon to replace the original book of the same name.

Re: BREADMAKING

eddyandme — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 02:37:55 GMT

@Daysdee

Thanks for the info and the book recommendation. I, too, used to have a bread cookbook - perhaps the same one, can't remember it was so long ago; and, I too, purchased my first machine from the Q! And, will also be making the smallest size!

Re: BREADMAKING

Imaoldhippie — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 13:49:46 GMT

@Carmie..................Could you use the gluten free dough to make you some homemade bread?