To BM or not to BM?

MATH

A BM is all about convience for me. I can make bread by hand but I do not have time to make 1-2 loaves a day and the kidz now won't eat shop bought (even the expensive stuff):rolleyes: I can load up the BM and then toddle off on the school run, tesco, butchers, library as I did this morning and not have to give it a second thought. Just the same as I leave my dishy and washer chugging away while I get on with other things.

Mr_Proctalgia

As an ex baker of many years I use both a BM and knead my own bread, the BM is cheaper and more convenient but has a lot of drawbacks for me in that I can only really produce one shape of loaf. If you have learned how it is very satisfying hand moulding your own cobs, rolls baps, plaits, bloomers etc. Also it makes a much better crust when you oven bake. When I have time I love to make really crispy "exploding" cobs but it is a bit extreme I guess. I also think that there is a psychological side to it, we are tool using beings and creating something is in our nature, I dunno, starting off with a pile of white powder and some other bits and bobs and being able to put bread on the table is just so satisfying when you do it all yourself.

Bossyboots

I love doing rolls and plaits so when I have time I will make the dough in my food processor and then finish off by hand. I can't knead by hand any more but I can still shape the dough once it is ready. I also sometimes make up the dough in my BM and then take it out and shape by hand when it is ready.

Swan_2

Mr_Proctalgia wrote:

I also think that there is a psychological side to it, we are tool using beings and creating something is in our nature, I dunno, starting off with a pile of white powder and some other bits and bobs and being able to put bread on the table is just so satisfying when you do it all yourself.

yes! that's how I feel about it

I love that moment when the you know the dough's ready just by the feel of it ... soft, springy, warm, sensual, almost alive ... well, I guess it is really till you bake it

caffeinehit

The bread turned out fairly dense but I like it that way for dunking in soup etc. It has a nice even texture too. I gather that white bread is a bit trickier since you need to knead it etc but with the wholemeal I was very pleasantly surprised by how quick and easy the whole process was.

Maybe I'll consider mechanisation if I get addicted to the stuff. In the meantime I think it'll be a nice therapeutic Sunday evening activity.

Ticklemouse

Well, my BM is on for the second time today. I've made a fruity loaf and an ordinary one is being made now. I have done so much today that I wouldn't have had the time to bake one by hand - I'm also good at forgetting things too, so a BM that takes all the guess wotk out of the timings is fab. Also, I haven't got the inclination to bake handmade bread every day. If I get some time one day, I will try taking the dough out and making fancy shaped loaves.

Pooky

Personally I wouldn't make my own bread if I had to do it by hand. I have carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists and 2 mins kneading would leave me in pain and unable to do anything for a week. Shoving all the stuff in the BM is so quick and easy and means I can just get on with other stuff.....DH makes the majority of bread in this house tho, he loves the BM and likes being able to do his bit.

I've converted 4 people in the last 3 months after they've seen mine in action.

elaine373

MATH wrote:

A BM is all about convience for me. I can make bread by hand but I do not have time to make 1-2 loaves a day and the kidz now won't eat shop bought (even the expensive stuff):rolleyes: I can load up the BM and then toddle off on the school run, tesco, butchers, library as I did this morning and not have to give it a second thought. Just the same as I leave my dishy and washer chugging away while I get on with other things.

I know this is off the subject but i hope you didnt mean you leave your dishwasher/washing machine on while you go out?? A friend of mine left her w/machine and went out and it caused a major house fire(blockage in the pipe at the back,overheated etc) which resulted in the death of her two dogs.Its going to take 6 months to renew the damaged part Just thought i would warn you. Regards, Elaine

MATH

elaine373 wrote:

I know this is off the subject but i hope you didnt mean you leave your dishwasher/washing machine on while you go out?? A friend of mine left her w/machine and went out and it caused a major house fire(blockage in the pipe at the back,overheated etc) which resulted in the death of her two dogs.Its going to take 6 months to renew the damaged part Just thought i would warn you. Regards, Elaine

I do leave them on while I go out and I also let them run over-night:o

elona

Math

Me too - I am getting a bit worried now:eek: