Are you dreaming of the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, but short on time or baking experience? Then your Breadman bread maker is your new best friend! This recipe will guide you through making a delicious, perfectly textured loaf, proving that homemade bread is easier than you think. It's a fantastic option for quick dinner ideas or a simple yet impressive addition to any meal. This recipe provides a great foundation for easy recipes and delicious dishes. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups bread flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions:
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Prepare your Breadman: Ensure your bread maker is clean and ready to go. Lightly grease the baking pan if desired.
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Combine the Liquids: Add the warm water, sugar, salt, and olive oil to the bread pan. Make sure the water isn't too hot, as this can kill the yeast.
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Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, bread flour, and yeast. This helps ensure the yeast is evenly distributed.
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Add Dry Ingredients to the Pan: Pour the dry ingredients into the bread pan, on top of the liquid ingredients.
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Select the Setting: Choose the appropriate setting on your Breadman bread maker. Most models have a basic setting for white bread, which works perfectly for this recipe.
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Start the Machine: Close the lid and press start. Let your Breadman do its magic!
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Enjoy: Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. The delightful smell alone will be worth the effort!
Tips for Bread Making Success:
- Fresh Yeast is Key: Use fresh yeast for the best results. Check the expiration date before you start.
- Water Temperature Matters: Make sure your water is the correct temperature. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast. Too cold, and the bread won't rise properly. A thermometer is your friend here!
- Don't Overmix: The Breadman will do most of the mixing, but be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This prevents it from becoming gummy and allows the crumb to set properly.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with add-ins! Try adding seeds (sunflower, pumpkin), nuts, dried fruit (cranberries, raisins), or herbs (rosemary, thyme).
- Whole Wheat: Substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier loaf. You might need to add a tablespoon or two of water to compensate for the absorbency of whole wheat flour.
- Different Bread Types: Your Breadman likely has different settings for various bread types (like sourdough or French bread). Experiment with these settings for different textures and flavors.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your loaf and the added ingredients. This is an estimate for a standard-sized loaf.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams
- Fat: Approximately 2-4 grams
Making homemade bread doesn't have to be intimidating. With your Breadman and this easy recipe, you can enjoy the taste and satisfaction of fresh bread anytime you want. It's a rewarding experience that creates delicious dishes, healthy meals, and lasting memories!