A bread maker for $10!
So, with two bread mixes, we decided to make them both at the same time but one using the machine and one by hand. Here is what happened.
First, the bread machine way. You add in a cup of water into the little cooking thing, then pour in the full box of mix on top of it.
Next, toss in the butter followed by the yeast that comes with the mix.Finally, toss the whole thing into the bread making machine, and several hours later, it is done. I'll show you the finished bread in just a minute.
Now, the hand made method. First wash your hands and get the area cleaned off because this involves some serious action.
You have to mix half of the bread mix with the water and the yeast packet.
Then, as you mix it, you'll add in the rest of the bread mix little by little. It starts to get tough to mix, quick.
Then, get to kneading. I have to be honest, I didn't realize I would have to do this for 12 minutes and suddenly, I felt like I was the bread making guy on one of those Spanish Novellas. I thought of taking my shirt off! I'm sure you appreciate my restraint.
After all the kneading, the dough was well oiled, and placed in a covered bowl to rise for an hour.
After that, it was shaped into a loaf pan and covered for another 45 minutes worth of rising.
Finally, in the oven at 400 for 30 minutes.
And it is ready to serve!
And what about our bread in the bread maker? It was definitely a lot easier to mix, toss in the machine and cook, and as you can see, it came out very nicely done. But it actually took about half an hour longer in total time. We enjoyed the taste of both breads, but the hand made one was a Honey Wheat Berry while the Bread Machine was a Honey Wheat. The one from the machine will be perfect for slathering on a tub of mayonnaise, some mustard and several hunks of ham in order to make a heart healthy sandwich for lunch. The Honey Wheat Berry is perfect for slathering on some hot melted butter and enjoying with dinner.
Needles to say, we'll be doing some more experimenting. Got any bread recipes? You should send them to me so we can give 'em a shot.
