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Water
from the tap is used in all bread recipes. If
using water in cold climates or from the refrigerator,
allow water to come to room temperature. Extremes
of hot or cold water will prevent the yeast activating.
Eggs
can be used in some bread recipes and provide
liquid, aid rising and increase the nutritional value
of the bread. They add flavour and softness to
the crumb and are usually used in sweeter types
of bread.
Other ingredients
such as fruit, nuts, chocolate chips,
etc., required to remain whole in the baked bread,
should be suspended in the dough. These ingredients
should be gradually added during the kneading and
before the dough rises for the first time.
For more information about
bread mixes
please
contact the relevant number listed below. Or refer to
contact details on the packaging of the bread.
Defiance
1800 628 883
Kitchen Collection
1800 649 494
Lowan Wholefoods
1800 355 718
Elfin (New Zealand only)
0800 110 800
For more information about
bread flour
please
contact the relevant telephone number listed below
or refer to contact details on the package.
Defiance Baker’s Flour
1800 628 883
Elfin/Champion High Grade
Plain Flour (New Zealand only)
0800 110 800
For more information about
gluten flour
and
bread
improver
please contact:
Lowan Wholefoods
1800 355 718
The vital ingredients
continued
‘Lowan’ brand Bread Improver
was used in the
recipes requiring this ingredient. A simple bread
improver can be a crushed unflavoured 250mg
vitamin C tablet added to the dry ingredients.
Sugar
provides sweetness and flavour, browns the
crust and produces food for the yeast. White sugar,
brown sugar, honey and golden syrup are all suitable
to use. When using honey or golden syrup it must be
counted as additional liquid. We have successfully
tested granular ‘Splenda’ brand low calorie sweetener
as a sugar substitute.
New Zealand only:
Sugar can be reduced for more improved results.
Powdered milk
and milk products enhance the
flavour and increase the nutritional value of bread.
Powdered milk is convenient and easy to use (store
in an airtight container in the refrigerator). Low fat or
skim milk powder can be used with good results. Soy
milk powder can also be used but produces a denser
loaf. Fresh milk should not be substituted unless
stated in the recipe.
Salt
is an important ingredient in bread making. In
the dough, salt increases water absorption, improves
kneading, strengthens the gluten development and
controls fermentation of the yeast which results in
improved loaf shape, crumb structure, crust colour,
flavour and keeping qualities. As salt inhibits the
rising of bread be accurate when measuring.
New Zealand only:
Salt can be reduced for more improved results.
Fat
adds flavour and retains the moisture. Vegetable
oils such as safflower, sunflower, canola, etc. can be
used. Butter or margarine can be substituted for oil in
recipes but may give a yellow coloured crumb.
Yeast
is used as the raising agent for the breads and
requires liquid, sugar and warmth to grow and rise.
Dried yeast has been used in the recipes in this
instruction book where appropriate. Before using
dried yeast always check the use by date, as stale
yeast will prevent the bread from rising.
‘Tandaco’ brand yeast (available nationally in most
supermarkets) was used in the development of all
yeasted recipes contained in this book.
Smaller packets of bread mix usually contain sachets
of yeast. Larger bulk bags of bread mix usually do not
include the yeast sachets, however the corresponding
brand of yeast may be purchased separately.
Some bulk and imported yeasts are more active,
therefore it is recommended to use less of these
yeasts. Yeast may also be more active in hot weather.
For information on other brands of yeast relating
to quantities contact the manufacturer listed on
the package.
New Zealand only:
We recommend the use of ‘Elfin’ brand yeast.
Rapid rise yeast
is a mixture of yeast and bread
improver. Brands will vary in strength. If wishing
to substitute for yeast in a recipe, omit the bread
improver. Rapid Rise yeasts should not be used with
Bread Mix as bread improver is already included.
New Zealand only:
‘Edmonds Surebake Yeast’ is the most readily
available yeast product in New Zealand.
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