Comments on Leaving Excess: Make Your Own Bread

Thanksgiving marked a year of my return to home br...

2009-12-01T19:58:23.034-06:00

Thanksgiving marked a year of my return to home bread-baking. I say return because I baked as a newlywed (30+ yrs. ago) but gave it up when I got really busy with babies. Now I am weaning number 5 - off white bread (he's 16!). -grinz- Hubby indulged him by buying it, whereas I only bought whole grains. Guess what he ate?! I am sloooooowly replacing the amount of whole wheat/grain flours and using "white wheat" helps. He tolerates half & half pretty well. Progress!

Lydia - I would not add more yeast. Try to use ro...

2008-12-10T13:07:41.333-06:00

Lydia - I would not add more yeast. Try to use room temp water (not cold) and room temp butter (again, not cold) and let it rise longer. I like to let mine rise an extra 30 minutes or so before putting it into a loaf pan and it is always huge when it comes out of the oven - but we like it fluffy. If you are short on time, putting the loaf into a cold oven and then turning it on makes it rise more during baking, too.

I made this bread tonight for the first time. I th...

2008-12-10T00:48:00.000-06:00

I made this bread tonight for the first time. I think I should have added more water and let it rise a bit longer. I don't have a bread machine, so I did it all by hand. It turned out short. Very short. Yummy though! I think I'm going to play with how I mix it and see what works best so I can get this down to a science. If I added more yeast, do you think it'd rise better?

Beth T: All I can say is to use a serrated bread ...

2008-11-14T20:18:12.570-06:00

Beth T: All I can say is to use a serrated bread knife and practice, practice practice! It is much easier when the loaf is completely cooled. You may have the best luck with an electric knife and I know there are guides that you can put the bread in to help you slice evenly. Good luck!

My biggest problem with making homemade bread is s...

2008-11-14T10:12:00.000-06:00

My biggest problem with making homemade bread is slicing. Any tips on making nice slices like you get in a store-bought loaf? Thanks.

Raks - I have a Royal, but that is the only one I ...

2008-11-13T16:50:22.696-06:00

Raks - I have a Royal, but that is the only one I have used. I do not bake in it, as I do not like the square loaves and I like to let the dough rise more than what the cycle allows before heating. I would think most machines are fine for mixing dough in, but if you intend to bake in it, consider the shape and layout of the pan.

There are often good deals on bread machines at thrift stores (one of those appliance bought with the best of intentions...).

Chad and Kristine: I would try four mini loaves. I have made "Subway" type loaves, and I have made both four and six loaves out of one recipe. The baking time will be shorter. A great rule of thumb is when you really smell the bread throughout the house, it is usually done within 5 minutes of that time.

Alternatively, you can tap on the top of the loaf (it will sound hollow when done) and it should be golden brown, but not dark brown.

Good luck - cute gift!

I am looking to give out homemake bread/jam for Ch...

2008-11-13T16:32:36.013-06:00

I am looking to give out homemake bread/jam for Christmas gifts to friends and neighbors. But I was thinking of just doing a small mini loaf. Any idea how many mini loaves your recipe would make? Also would it cook for the same amount of time?
Thanks a million
Kristine

Any brand/model of a bread machine you recommend?

2008-11-13T16:02:00.000-06:00

Any brand/model of a bread machine you recommend?

Kimberly: This particular loaf is more expensive ...

2008-11-13T15:04:52.064-06:00

Kimberly: This particular loaf is more expensive than other recipes due to the gluten and buttermilk powder. I would estimate it to be less than $1 a loaf. I think the major advantages to making your own bread (beyond the savings) are the reduction in chemicals and additives and the great taste. Plus the heat from the oven helps to heat your house :>)

About how much money would you estimate it takes f...

2008-11-13T14:57:00.000-06:00

About how much money would you estimate it takes for all of the ingredients in homemade bread? My husband doesn't believe me that we can make it for cheaper than buying it but my parents have an old breadmaker that they're willing to give so I'm hoping to try!

I just made my first loaf of this bread and it is ...

2008-11-05T14:00:00.000-06:00

I just made my first loaf of this bread and it is lovely!

looks great, I LOVE MAKING BREAD TOO there is just...

2008-09-15T09:26:00.000-05:00

looks great, I LOVE MAKING BREAD TOO there is just something about the kneading and timing and the the smell of fresh bread in the house. I have a few recipes for home made recipes on my blog if your intrested just click the label recipe.

looks great, I LOVE MAKING BREAD TOO there is just...

2008-09-15T09:26:00.001-05:00

the snell family - Of course! It is so convenient...

2008-07-30T06:33:26.698-05:00

the snell family -

Of course! It is so convenient to use the bread maker, that many of us do, but people have been making bread forever without the handy bread machine. I will do another post next week with some handmade recipes!

Is there a way to make this bread or any other wit...

2008-07-30T06:23:00.000-05:00

Is there a way to make this bread or any other with out a bread machine?

Dr. Mom - I love new recipes - thanks for the note...

2008-07-27T19:47:03.307-05:00

Dr. Mom -

I love new recipes - thanks for the note!

I have been making our own bread for the last coup...

2008-07-27T17:50:00.000-05:00

I have been making our own bread for the last couple of years as well. I love it. I have the same issues with whole grain bread as well. It is just not popular in my house. I have found that if you mix the white flour with a little whole wheat, you can't really tell. At least there is a little in there! I finally broke down and now have three breadmakers that I start up all at once. People are always giving them to thrift stores practically brand new since few stick to making bread (and it's a popular wedding gift). I work as well and it is really nice to come home to bread either ready to go in the oven or already cooked and still warm. That is if I am organized enough to get it ready before work! I like your idea about cutting it in half and freezing the halves. I will have to try it. Thanks.

I have a couple of recipes for bread on my page if you want to try something new.

jmisgro - It is great - I love it and think it is ...

2008-07-25T07:47:46.064-05:00

jmisgro - It is great - I love it and think it is more convenient. Glad it works for you!

milk donor mama - yeah, that is REALLY homemade!

I am a breastfeeding mother, and I came across a s...

2008-07-25T07:42:00.000-05:00

I am a breastfeeding mother, and I came across a sourdough recipe that uses breastmilk in the starter! I have been making the bread for over a year. It is wonderful.

There's making your own bread, and then there's making YOUR OWN bread!!!

I started making my own bread about 2 months ago. ...

2008-07-24T12:15:00.000-05:00

I started making my own bread about 2 months ago. I would have to run to the store 2x a weeks for french or italian bread for my husband because he did not eat regular bread. We were paying $1.89 for a 10 oz baggette. DH was looking at the label of ingredients and asked, "What is all this stuff in here?".
My homemade bread is great. I have even started making pizza dough and rolls.
It is so much better!