Bread problem

crumblepie

I use Tesco bread flour (the one in a green bag) and only once had bad results - I think the water wasn't warm enough and the result was a stodgy pastry more than bread.

I do make mine by hand and so can get a 'feel' for the dough and add probably too little water to begin with but then adding more if needed. The last few batches I've made have had no problems at all. But I also warmed the bowl as well so I don't know if this made a difference.

Never tried using a vit c tablet, but it could be an experiment for the future.

Sooetie

I've tried to make bread for years.

Try is the optional word as the only recipe that seems to work is the one for French bread. I have been using a breadmaker as when i was at school my loaf turned out like a brick and so it seems it will forever.

Just bought a different breadmaker off ebay for 99p so shall have a go with that. If that fails i will give up forever and buy my son's favourite lol

JadeOrchid

Good morning all.
I was going to ask about the lidl flour, my last 3 loaves from 2 different new bags of lidl flour have come out flat, uncooked in the middle and very done looking on the outside. This was on a rapid setting and 2 french loaf settings.
Is there a current problem with the flour? I somewhere between the 3 loaves I opened a new sachet of yeast from same box too so I don't believe it's the yeast.
Having previously used the lidl flour with no problems before (but not for a while), I asked my dad to pick these up for me especially earlier this week. Haven't had a chance to pop back out to buy new brand of flour to test but is this likely to be my machine or the flour?
Any one else having this issue?

pws52

I am wondering whether the past wheat harvest was affected by the adverse weather and there has been a change in quality.

I bought some Lidl flour last week and it is fine.

I have tried several of the suggestions re the Tesco flour but the top in still flat and the texture waxy. I honestly think that it is an issue with the flour.

Thanks for the responses.

JadeOrchid

Finally found out after making lots of flat loaves and changing one thing at a time that the problem was the new box of sachet yeast I was using.
No idea why its gone weird since the best before date isn't till summer and was unopened and stored in same place I always put my stuff.
So glad it wasn't my machine or the flour.
Tried a different tin of yeast and the loaves have come out fine.