Using a Bread Machine

One of my favorite kitchen appliances is my bread machine! We received it as a Christmas gift many years ago from my husband's parents. It makes fresh bread without a lot of effort on my part (gotta love that!) The recipe calls for 3 cups flour. Sometimes I'll use 2 cups whole wheat flour and 1 cup all-purpose flour; other times half of each.

Benefits of using a bread machine:

• so easy!
• no preservatives
  
• great way to rotate food storage items
  
• saves money and time (fewer trips to the grocery store)
  
• aroma of fresh baked bread fills our home
• hot, fresh bread fills our tummies
• happy family
  

Here's the recipe I use:

BASIC BREAD RECIPE
(Makes a large loaf)

1 1/8 cups water (9.1 fluid oz.)
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 tablespoons dry milk
1 tablespoon potato flakes
1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten
2 teaspoons yeast
1/2 cup wheat berries (optional)

1. Install the mixing blade on the shaft inside the bread pan.
2. Pour water into the bread pan, add the flour, salt, sugar, butter, dry milk, potato flakes, and gluten; then place the dry yeast on top of the dry flour -- do not mix.
3. Place the bread pan in the bread maker, close the lid, plug into the wall socket, and push the START button.
4. Check dough. If it's too dry, add more water (a tablespoon at a time.) If it's too sticky, add more flour (a tablespoon at a time.)
5. After the beeping stops, push the OFF button, open the lid, and pull the pan out by the handle. To remove the bread from the bread pan, shake upside down.

NOTE: When we have extra wheat berries, I'll add 1/2 cup at the beginning of the mix cycle when I'm checking on the dough consistency.

Bread machines have become more affordable since they first came out. I purchased some used bread machines at Deseret Industries (thrift store) for my older children when they went to college.

HELPFUL INFORMATION LINK:
What to do when your manual is missing - Click here (www.hillbillyhousewife.com)