Is homemade bread REALLY cheaper?

blueberrypie

phizzimum wrote: »

I've been reading about this for years but I've still not been brave enough to ask for it.

I've asked once in Asda ("we only have the dried one on the shelf") and twice in Tesco ("no we haven't got any") :-(

phizzimum

blueberrypie wrote: »

I've asked once in Asda ("we only have the dried one on the shelf") and twice in Tesco ("no we haven't got any") :-(

yes, I've a feeling that I'd get a similar response in my Tesco. Often it seems if they don't know about something they just say "we don't sell it" - I wish they'd just admit they don't know so I can ask someone else!

grandmasam

have been making own bread for 40 years,use old kenwood chef for initial mixing,prove in bowl until twice the size,then knead by hand until elastic and smooth,prove in tin untl above the edge,bake 25 mins in hot oven.make it flour yeast,water,pinch salt,and tblspn olive oil,delishous!use same method for occasional bread mixes,i love making it and give loaves as presents!friends and family think its a treat.which of course it is! made with love.xx!

mama67

I have been making bread using a BM for just over 10 years, initially made the whole loaf in there including baking, then I got experimental and so started using the dough setting and baking off in the oven. Making garlic batons, french sticks, doughnuts, pizza bases etc

I now have the machine set so the dough finishes as I get up, and then it still has time to second rise whilst oven heating and bake before my Economy 7 electricity goes off.

I do not like the shape of the loaves which now come out of the modern BM, "towers".

I have a tin which is the same size as the split tins which the supermarket bakeries use, which gives a better slice, than my 2lb cake tin.

Ideally I would have a machine that had a pan which would bake a loaf in a similar shape to that which I use in the oven but as yet haven't found one.

I am now on my 4th BM having worn out the first 2 before the manufacturers guarentee ran out.

As I only use the dough programme usualy I bought a cheapy from Argos as that does just as good a job as the more expensive models which my first 2 were.

blueberrypie

phizzimum wrote: »

yes, I've a feeling that I'd get a similar response in my Tesco. Often it seems if they don't know about something they just say "we don't sell it" - I wish they'd just admit they don't know so I can ask someone else!

Having written what I did yesterday, I asked again in Tesco this morning. At first the person I asked said, "Oh, um...how do they usually do it?", and I said, "oh, they usually just put a little bit in a bag and give it to you!" (well, they do for other MSE posters LOL) - she went off to find a manager, who immediately went into the back of the bakery and sorted it out. The first staff member did bring out a huge block (1 kg) at first, and asked how much I wanted, and it did take them a while to get it after that - they were putting it into the computer, apparently! So I suppose I must be the first person to ever get it from them? - anyway, they charged 20p for 20 grams - but I got it, and now the bread is proving in the loaf-tins :j

Gigervamp

Blueberrypie, how much did you use for one loaf?
It's been years (about 30!) since I used fresh yeast, so I can't remember how much.

Oh, and while I remember, I have a question for anyone that knows. I was looking at those Pullman tins on ebay and noticed that they have a lid and holes in the bottom.
Now, I presume the holes are to let steam out? But do you bake the loaf with the lid on?

zippychick

To substitute dry yeast for fresh yeast, reduce the amount called for in the recipe by half:D

blueberrypie

Gigervamp wrote: »

Blueberrypie, how much did you use for one loaf?
It's been years (about 30!) since I used fresh yeast, so I can't remember how much.

I used 1 ounce - I followed the recipe here - but I cut it in half, because I wasn't sure my Kenwood would handle four loaves at once. When it rose, it filled the Kenwood bowl, and I made it into two loaves, which are currently being nibbled at before dinner - and are very, very good :-)

Oh, and while I remember, I have a question for anyone that knows. I was looking at those Pullman tins on ebay and noticed that they have a lid and holes in the bottom.
Now, I presume the holes are to let steam out? But do you bake the loaf with the lid on?

I think you do - not much point in the lid otherwise. I've been looking at them too, but haven't ordered one yet - I wish they were available from the UK, and in something other than aluminium.

lynneee

blueberrypie wrote: »

I've asked once in Asda ("we only have the dried one on the shelf") and twice in Tesco ("no we haven't got any") :-(

Daft as it sounds, there is a health and safety reason that supermarket bakeries cant sell fresh yeast anymore, I think because its not packaged with a sell by date on it. hth

blueberrypie

lynneee wrote: »

Daft as it sounds, there is a health and safety reason that supermarket bakeries cant sell fresh yeast anymore, I think because its not packaged with a sell by date on it. hth

But they did sell it to me this morning...