How to use a breadmaker successfully

[Booldawg]

my first attempt hasnt been too successful. The loaf was really heavy and dense. I should imagine it'd break toes if I dropped it!

How do you make nice, springy, fresh bread? I noticed the flour I used was gluten free so maybe that didnt help.

Also the handbook states to add ingredients as per recipe but doesnt give any example recipes. The one I got was off the net and didnt really state in what order to add ingredients.

The breadmaker also needs to know the weight of the loaf and has 3 presets, 0.5kg, 0.75kg and 1kg. The recipe didnt give the weight - do you have to weight all the ingredients?

TIA

[jake-the-peg]

yeast problem?

Was the yeast old? if so get some fresh. Salt kills yeast - if you made it on a timer put the yeast in first then the flour and the salt on that so it doesn't mix.

Use bread making flour it's particularly strong which is important in breadmaking

[Booldawg]

The yeast may've been hanging around a few months Jake.

I brew my own beer and wouldnt dream of adding dry yeast from the sachet straight to the wort. Maybe I could re-hydrate the yeast in some water for 30 mins then add to the breadmaker.

I'll buy some proper wheat flour tonight and have another bash.

[Fitzer]

It is extremely difficult to make decent bread without gluten so you've answered your own question, bread flour has a very high gluten content. I'm surprised the instructions don't have example recipes as you need to get familiar with the basics before you can start doing things freehand. No problem with adding the dry yeast direct as the programmes in the machine allow for that, if it's very old you may want a little more. Normally you put the water in first, followed by the oil (fat), salt, sugar, flour and then yeast, extras such as nuts and seeds go in after the first knead. What make and model is the machine, the manufacturer's website should have example recipes.

[Booldawg]

I think the manual did point you to a website but I was reading it away from the PC and just googled a recipe. I'll check out the make/model tonight.

[joko]

yes its the gluten.

but also, the order...if the yeast starts to 'act' too soon it spoils it.

theres loads of sites with recipes an advice

[whiskeryron]

we have been making our own bread for ages & are now using bread mixes from Sainsbury's & baking wonderful bread, & it's so easy give it a whirl I'm sure you'll love it.