
For Best Results...
White Flour:
When using white flour select nothing less than unbleached white flour
containing 12 to 16% protein (or 3 to 4 % per ¼ cup serving).
Storage:
Flour absorbs
ambient humidity quickly, hindering it from blending with liquids during the initial
mixing phase so always be certain to store your flour in a well-burped freezer bag.
Yeast:
For all of your standard-mode loaf recipes use
active dry yeast
. And for all your
fastbake-mode loaf recipes use
fast-acting dry yeast
. Newer models can have one, two,
sometimes even three different fastbake-mode selections. The custom recipes provided
by the manufacturer for these fastbake-modes should be the only ones used with that
particular machine. For best results,
never
experiment with recipe ingredients or portions
when using the fastbake-mode. And always refrigerate your yeast with a close eye on the
expiration date. And when using pre-mixed kits from your grocer, always replace the
yeast packet provided with a fresh packet of active dry yeast.
Tip
: A packet of dry yeast
contains 2-1/4 teaspoons.
Baking Surface Prep:
Coat the inside of your loaf pan generously with cooking oil
before adding the ingredients. Using the spray types is best.
Water:
Use only drinking or filtered water, never tap, boiled or distilled.
Ingredient Temperatures:
All ingredients must be brought to room
temperature.
Order of Ingredients:
Add waters, milks, eggs, milk powders, oils, salts, sugars, and
seasonings first, flour next, and yeast last.
Delaying Start:
Flour floats on liquid until the mixing phase begins. That’s why many
breadmakers have a programmable delay-start timer. With the timer function engaged,
you can add the ingredients tonight and wake up in the morning to the smell of fresh-
baked bread.
Never
use recipes containing perishable ingredients such as eggs or milk
when using the delay-start timer.
Shelf Life:
Refrigerating and freezing bread is not recommended. For best results store
your homemade bread in a breadbox.
Tip:
Adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to any
bread or dough recipe will double the shelf life of any finished product.
Measuring:
Water and liquid milk
must
be measured using a clear liquid measuring cup.
Remaining ingredients
must
be level-measured using dry measuring cups and spoons.
Environment:
Place your breadmaker on a shelf or countertop far from the reach of
children and pets. Ambient temperature should be 70 to 80 degrees F. Ambient humidity
should not exceed 60%.
Slicing the Loaf:
Electric carving knives work best, especially when using a slicing
guide. Be certain to wait until the loaf is totally cooled to room temperature before slicing
it. Total cool-down on a wire rack usually takes one hour.