Home baking?

Mum_on_a_mission_2

Its miles cheaper when you have peanut allergies to contend with - and baking is relaxing.

Moam

MRSMCAWBER

Hi there

Bread is a doddle... i do have a bread machine - but i only use mine to mix the dough..i put it in a tin and bake it in the oven....
You can make it by hand easily, or do you have one of those hand held mixers? most have dough hooks...

My mix is 300ml warm water or (part water part milk if you want a softer crust)
500g strong flour
1oz butter
1tbs salt and
a sachet of dried yeast...

if you want to mix it by hand, pour the water into a large bowl and add the butter, add the flour and sprinkle the yeast on top...
Then get your hands in... you may need a little extra flour/water and mix until its a smooth ball...then add the salt... this stops the salt from hitting the yeast direct - which can kill it...
Knead the dough and then leave in a bowl with a carrier bag over the top (like a tent) and leave it in a warm place until doubled in size.. this will make a 2lb loaf...if you dont have a tin you can shape it into a ball and bake on a greased baking sheet
gas mark 7 for about 30 mins...it should sound hollow if you knock on its bottom

Lidl do a bread flour i think its about 65p a bag and you will get 3 loafs out of it....so it isnt essential to have Allinsons etc...

You can buy cheaper bread.. but there is no substance to it... as i said earlier i could eat 6 slices of shop bread... home made i have 2

If i was to need to buy a bread machine i would still go for a basic model.... you can always buy a "bigger/better" one if you take to it... my mum gave me this one years ago..it makes cake and jam:rolleyes: but i have never used it for that..

I do make cakes, xmas puds and mincemeat too..and they are so easy its silly.. my brother and hubby dont have a sweet tooth but they can't resist xmas pud or cake when ive made them... so if anyone is planning their 1st attempt at xmas cake and want the most delicious recipe ever..let me know and i will dig it out..it is soooo moist n sticky..and you dont have to keep feeding it alcohol either - unless you want to...like i do:o .. look im rattling on...you have me on my fave subject..food:D

p-pincher

Hi there

Bread is a doddle... i do have a bread machine - but i only use mine to mix the dough..i put it in a tin and bake it in the oven....
You can make it by hand easily, or do you have one of those hand held mixers? most have dough hooks.

Thank you, it actually sounds quite easy. I know ive got some dough hooks somewhere. I think im going to make some HM lemon curd to go with it for lunch.