Essential Tips and Tricks on Using Bread Machine

Bread Machine makes the home baking easy. But, some people who use the bread machine first time are disappointed with the results. Usually (but not always) it causes due to incorrect use of the machine. Many bread machine stand idle in the kitchen because the user has tried baking some recipes with disastrous result. Don’t be worried, if this happened to you. Don’t give up and store the bread machine away from you. Here we are enlisted some tips and tricks you may find useful for you.

After purchasing a bread machine, at first you need to properly read the instruction book or manual that comes with the bread machine. From this instruction book you can know that how to use this machine, best way of clean and maintain the appliance. Most of the time, it also provides you some delicious bread recipes to get started.
Before start using your new bread maker you should take the time to understand how it works and what kind of problems may create.
The most common complaint against a bread machine is that the loaf either collapses or is doesn’t rise. Remember that, yeast raises the dough. So, if your loaf isn’t rising, you should check the yeast. When mixing the ingredients, you should ensure that yeast does not contact with the liquids used. Sugar helps to multiplication of yeast. So, you should also ensure that you have used proper amount of sugar in your recipe. You can also use brown sugar instead of white granulated sugar.
Different bread machines have certain order to add ingredients. You should always follow the instructions.
Sometimes a bread machine recipe does not work first time with other brand model.
To removing the mixing paddle easily, at first you need to coat it with olive oil or margarine. Never use a knife or other metal appliance to remove the paddle, because it may scratch the non-stick side of the pan.
If the loaf rises and then again collapses, it may because of the lack of salt to inhibit the yeast or too much sugar. If you wish to reduce the amount of salt in your bread, you can decrease the amount of salt as much as 50%. But never remove the salt thoroughly.
If the crust is too hard or too thick, it may cause due to too much flour. Again try with reducing the amount of flour.
If the crust does not evenly brown, experiment by using a piece of aluminum (shiny side down) before the bake part of the cycle.
Always try to use the bread flour rather than regular flour. Bread flour contains more gluten than regular flour. Gluten helps to raise the bread and gives structure to a loaf.
If you use the honey instead of sugar, you should reduce the liquids used (water, milk etc.) by proportional amount.
Use all ingredients at room temperature without frozen yeast and melted margarine.
When using either margarine or butter, try to use them nearly at room temperature. Always cut the margarine and butter into small pieces, and then it will blend easily.
Measure the ingredients correctly. You can use measuring spoons, cups and jars. To add the flour, at first give it a tap and then level it with a knife. If you are using brown sugar, gently press it down before leveling.
If the loaves sag in the middle, it can be cause due to too much water in the recipe. Experiment by reducing the 1 tablespoon water at a time. Loaves may also sag due to too much yeast. You can solve this problem by either reducing the amount of yeast or add more salt (Salt act as yeast inhibitor).
If the dough rises to the dome, try to punch small holes in the dough using a fork. This will cause the dough to fall back.
Separate pre-mixing of wet and dry ingredients gives a better texture. It requires only a few extra seconds. Take a large bowl to mix all ingredients before adding to the bread machine.
Knowing the setting, times and cycles of the bread machine is very important for successful homemade bread preparation.
After 7-8 minutes check the consistency of your bread dough to ensure it is right. If it is too dry, you can add 1 tablespoon of water and allow the machine to work. Repeat it if necessary. If it appears too moist, you can add 1 tablespoon of flour and repeats it if necessary.
Remember to set the controls on bread maker to match the type of your bread.
Keep attention to the beeps of the bread machine. The beep ensures the cycle is done. Then you should add the extra ingredients and bread begins to cook.
Some manufacturers are instructed that their appliances are dishwasher safe. But it is always best to hand washing your appliances with warm soapy water. Don’t put the pan into the water; put the water into the pan. Leave the pan for 15 minutes to soak, then empty it and wipe it with clean cloth.