6
prevent liquid from seeping up. Make a slight well in center of dry ingredients and place the yeast in the well. This sequence is
very important, especially when using the
timer
to prevent yeast from getting wet before bread making begins.
1. ALWAYS
use standard glass or plastic “see-through” liquid measuring cups to measure liquids. Place cup on flat surface and
measure at “eye level”, not at an angle. The liquid level line
MUST
be right to the measurement marking, not above or below. A
“looks close enough” measurement can spell disaster in bread making.
SPECIAL TIP
: Place liquid measuring cup on inside of kitchen cabinet to measure at eye level.
Liquid level must be exact to markings on liquid measuring cups. Too much or too little liquid will affect the
height of the loaf.
2.
ALWAYS
use standard dry measuring cups (cups that nest together) to measure dry ingredients, especially flour. Dry measuring
cups are those that nest together.
ALWAYS SPOON
dry ingredients into the measuring cup, then level with a knife.
DO NOT SCOOP
measuring cups into dry
ingredients, especially flour, as it compresses the ingredients into the cup and causes the dough to be dry and result in a short loaf. See
Diagrams 2 and 3.
SPECIAL TIP:
To lighten flour before measuring, move a spoon through it several times.
All ingredients measured in
measuring spoons must be level, not
rounded or heaping.
3. ALWAYS
use standard measuring spoons for ingredients such as yeast, salt, sugar, dry milk and small amounts of honey, molasses
or water. The measurements
MUST BE LEVEL
, not rounded or heaping as a little difference can affect the bread. See Diagram 4.
DO NOT USE TABLEWARE AS MEASURING SPOONS
as these vary in size and will not be accurate.
USING BREAD MIXES IN YOUR BREAD MAKER
Pre-packaged bread mixes can be used in your bread maker. Follow the directions for making a 1½ pound loaf or 2 pound loaf. Use
the
basic/specialty
bread setting for most mixes unless preparing a 100% whole wheat or natural grain mix, which would require the
whole wheat
bread setting. Add the recommended amount of liquid to the bread pan first, then flour mixture and finally the yeast.
Select desired
crust color, loaf size
and start the bread maker. The
time delay
feature can be used with bread mixes providing no
perishable ingredients are used such as milk and eggs, which can spoil when left at room temperature for several hours.
MAKE YOUR OWN MIXES
To save time, money and energy, you can prepare your own mixes and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply
measure all dry ingredients in the recipes
EXCEPT YEAST
into a plastic bag or seal-able container. Label the type of bread and loaf
size. When ready to use, let the flour mixture stand at room temperature 15 minutes. Add recommended liquids, then the dry flour
mixture to pan. Level and add yeast to the center. Program and start the bread maker. Use
time delay
if recipe recommends its use.
