Breadmaker and yeast - request for info

Caterina

Cullumpster:

Yes definitely a worthwhile investment. I use it almost every day. I like wholemeal bread and my kids like white so I am able to make a compromise mix, at the moment 3/1 white to brown but aiming to go 2/2 in a little while and see if they notice!

I buy my flour in bulk, Doves Farm does a 16kg bag of strong organic wholemeal for just over £8 and I also buy the strong organic white flour in bulk, 10x1.5kg for around £11. It lasts me ages and I normally share the purchase with my friend who does all the hand baking otherwise the flour would go stale.

But if you have a good size freezer you can put it in there and it keeps fresh and avoids getting weevils in.

I don't know about cup-a-soup bread but I put a lot of other stuff in it like nuts and raisins and sunflower seeds and they are ok.

I have seen a bread machine recipe book for sale but did not buy it (because I am skint at the moment) but plan to do so after Christmas - or maybe I could ask for it as a Christmas present!

Mink35, I have thought of doing so (making the mix and activate it with the right amount of water) but haven't tried yet. I was hoping that someone here had done so and could feed back - so they end up with the hard lump hehehehehehe

Thanks all for the feedback, it looks like I need to start experimenting!

Love

Caterina

hilstep2000

Hi heldaz and Caterina!
Just found my Lakeland Catalogue, The mixes I was mentioning are by Laucke and the catalogue numbers are:
Starter Pack (one of each) 2347

Mulitgrain X 6 2280

Fibre White X 6 2281

Crusty White X 6 2709

German Grain X 6 2173

Wholemeal X 6 2317

Fruit Loaf Base X 6 2305

Each Pack is £6.50

It also states that these mixes can be made by hand. Hope this helps!

Galtizz

The link is HERE. They seem really good value.

How many loaves do you get out of each pack hilstep2000?

We eat more rolls than loaves - can you make these in a bread maker??

Caterina

Galtizz,

You can make the dough in the breadmaker but then you need to take it out and form the individual rolls and bake them in the oven (with other stuff already cooking of course to save energy!).

Hillstep, thanks for looking for the codes for the bread mix and, Galtizz, thanks for the link.

Caterina

hilstep2000

Hi there,
I get two loaves out of one pack, but that's because I have a one-and-a-half pound machine. Check your instructions to see what yours does.
Glad to help re the codes for Lakeland,
They make very good bread, these mixes!

Sarahsaver

i'd heard that if you ask at the bakery counter of large supermarkets they will GIVE you fresh yeast. I have not tried this because i dont actually go into supermarkets.

Jolaaled

my local tescos will happily give me fresh yeast from their bakery, for free. I use this in my breadmaker with great results: i've also used the dried yeasts ( both fast and slow types), but the fresh yeast is just as good, in my experience, and free! I use about half an ounce for a small loaf, but a bit more, if it's wholemeal loaf.
good luck!

Chipps

I have bought the instant yeast in relatively big packets (compared to the sachets) from health food shops.
Also, I have bought much, much cheaper sachets than in supermarkets from a local flour miller. Their flour is reasonably priced, too, and very good quality.

Caterina

my local tescos will happily give me fresh yeast from their bakery, for free. I use this in my breadmaker with great results: i've also used the dried yeasts ( both fast and slow types), but the fresh yeast is just as good, in my experience, and free! I use about half an ounce for a small loaf, but a bit more, if it's wholemeal loaf.
good luck!

Do you reconstitute the yeast first and measure the water to be just the right amount? Thanks for help!

Caterina

Jolaaled

Caterina....yes...re-activate the yeast, by dissolving in warm water with sugar. ( my mum also adds extra vitamin C powder at this stage, but i don't bother!). Then, place this in the breadmaker , in the order the instruction book tells you..usually you put the liquids in first.
Also, i never use the dried milk powder that a lot of recipes suggest you use..and i use olive oil instead of marge! ( Vegan household here!!).