What is the best way to make bread? I am thinking in terms of technique as opposed to recipes. Secrets?

Question

I regularly bake bread but the texture is more cake -like and it does not toast well. I would especially like to make good white bread with a crispy crust like French bread and a soft light texture.

Answer 1

This is a recipe, but it contains many techniques which are useful.
I have used it and even successfully made bread in a toasting oven.
Wholemeal bread

Combine a 7gm sachet of dried yeast with half a cup of warm water in a small bowl: stir in 1 teaspoon of caster sugar. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 5 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface.

Sift 2 cups of unbleached plain flower, and mix with 2 cups plain wholemeal flour, add 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons dried wholemilk powder and 1 tablespoon caster sugar into a large bowl.

Make a well in the centre, add yeast, quarter cup cooking oil and 1 cup warm water.

Using hands or large spoon, mix to a soft dough. Turn onto lightly floured surface, Knead ten minutes or until smooth and elastic. If needed incorporate up to half cup extra flour until dough is not sticky.

Place in large lightly oiled bowl. Leave, covered with a teatowel in a warm place for 1 hour or until well risen. Punch dough down, and knead for 1 minute.

Divide and shape into loaves or rolls. Leave covered with plastic wrap for 45 minutes or until well risen. Place in a tin which has been lightly oiled with butter or oil. Or mould into free-form shapes and place on a greased baking tray.

Bake in tins in a 210 degree C (Gas 190 c) oven for 10 minutes, lower heat to 180 c - bake an extra 30-40 minutes.

Bake free form loaves in a 210 c oven for 10 minutes - lower heat to180c and cook for 20-30 minutes. Cooking times will depend on size of loaves or rolls. To test for doneness, tap bottom of bread with knuckles. A hollow sound indicates bread is done.
Note. Dough is enough for 1 large, 2 medium or 3 small loaves, or 16-24 rolls.
If white bread is preferred replace the 2 cups of wholemeal flour with another 2 cups of plain flour.

Answer 2

Hi Peter,

I have a machine and from day one I have never had a bad loaf.

Little tip, use the strongest flour you can get, and use fresh yeast, chat up your local baker he or she will maybee give you some free if you ask them nicely.

I regularly talk to my local baker, he mentioned something about mixing up the yeast, sugar and salt and powdered milk out of the machine first, but please check with your local baker first as it was a while ago he told me this and I haven't made bread for about 8 months as I have many illnesses and disabilities and haven't been very well most times.

However I do remember him telling me that if I want that nice smelling and tasting bread then you have to use fresh yeast, just mix up some and have a smell.

Regarding the dark or crispy bread, I either give it extra time or leave it in the maker untill you are happy with the bread, but not too long or it will go a bit soggy.

Good luck mate, I do hope have helped you, please let me know how you get on.

Jimmy from Essex England

Answer 3

There are different kinds of breads: quick breads, that you mix and bake, such as maybe your favorite banana bread recipe. These are not typically crusty good breads, but more cake like. If you want to bake real bread, you need to follow all the steps for proofing, and letting it rise in a warm area. Also the type of flour you use will make a difference as will the freshness of your yeast and all the other ingredients as well.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

I used to make bread and had the sme problem, then I bought a bread maker and I have fantastic bread every time now...;

Answer 6

Sounds like you need better flour. If Tesco's strong flour is all you can get, add a crushed up vitamin C tablet to improve it.

When you're knocking back the dough, think of Tony Blair. It helps no end.

Answer 7

Hhhmmm yummy, now i want bread.

Well i have never made bread before, but know i really really want to, i can suggest going on to the bbc website they have a very good receipe ideas and suggestions section.

And you can choose which famous chefs ideas you want to use, its a really good site to visit.

Answer 8

The best bread has some of yesterdays dough in it.

Answer 9

YOU NEED TO BE VERY HEAVY HANDED TOO MAKE GOOD BREAD, MAKE SURE YOU KNEED IT VERY WELL, FOR THE CRISPY CRUST YOU NEED TO BRUSH THE LOAF WITH EGG AND MILK BEFORE YOU BAKE,

Answer 10

Hate to say it but.those bread making machines are meant to be quite good !!