Breadmaker

[sarahA]

I've started to attempt bread using strong bread flour (got both white and wholemeal at the moment) and yeast. The bread seems to come out okay but is really lacking in taste. I hate to admit it but I think my taste buds are missing salt.

Just used a 1/3rd (165g) hovis granary bread mix and topped it up to 375g with the strong white bread flour to lighten it and make a 1.5lb loaf. Has come out very nice and light like bread from the shop, just need to get the right taste in there too, then i can try 50/50 white and wholemeal (as the wholemeal on its own was too heavy and dense).

Anyone got any suggestions besides adding/increasing the amount of salt used? Both packs say you can add sugar, does it make much difference?

Sainsburys are currently selling their packs of bread mixes at 1/3rd off (45p instead of 67p or so). Handy when you want an easy result (plus found a foccacia one which will be good if it comes out well ). Still need to try making naans...

[slaughteredlamb]

Try Allinson's Country Grain Bread Flour. You're taste buds will thank you!

Allinson's also do a Strong White Bread Flour which is also nice but like any white bread, including shop bought loaves, doesnt have as much flavour as granary. It is though one of the tastier white flours I've found for home baked bread.

For both White & Granary medium sized loaf we just do the following:

3/4tsp of Yeast
400g flour
1tsp Sugar
1tsp Salt
15g Butter (don't use marg, butter definitely tastes a lot better)
280ml Water

Never had a duff loaf yet and all taste, at worst, as good as a shop bought loaf and with the granary flour a lot better than any shop bought loaf

[Chris H]

Carr's bread flour pack says to add sugar and skimmed milk powder. Works for me!

[sarahA]

Cheers SL. I'll get through the 4 kg of flour I've got here first though before I buy any more, Mr A.'ll tell me off soon!

Thanks Chris, someone else told me about using milk powder too, not heard that one so will give it a try when I make another tomorrow

[rutty]

Is DDN turning into Mumsnet all of a sudden 

We've used ours quite a bit and we (Jo) have (has) created some really tasty loaves using a mixture of spelt and granary flour.

Might have to look up the nanbread thing - sounds lurvely

[Matt]

Its easier and cheaper to go to the supermarket - they get it right everytime

[Chris H]

Its easier and cheaper to go to the supermarket - they get it right everytime

Yup, I buy all my bread flour from there 

[sarahA]

Its easier and cheaper to go to the supermarket - they get it right everytime

Nope, not cheaper at all. Homemade bread works out cheaper so once you've broke even on the cost of the machine (around £40 or so) then you're saving money. Also once you get the quantities right then homemade is far nicer too.

Also the problem with buying loaves from the supermarket is that you either buy smaller ones and have to go out more often, or you buy bigger loaves and either end up with stale or mouldy bread at the end, and throw it out, or have to find space in the freezer to freeze half. The packet of flour lasts months and takes up barely any space in the cupboard.

Which reminds me. Need to go put a loaf on so we've got fresh bread for lunch