whats the best breadmaker

[astral276]

Paceys in Spalding

They is best bread makers since forever. If you are ever in Spalding look em up.

And treat yourself to some Laddies Ice Cream while you are there. Used to love that stuff.

[Salomina27]

Well I still think the best bread maker is my hands!
I have said this before on here, when I first started attempting to make bread many years ago it was a total disaster. Most of mine went in the bin too.
Then I decided to mmake a concerted effort at trying again, some years later.
This time I succeeded right from the word go, and got better at it. So much so I was always told my bread should go into shows. I'd have my children and their friends over too teaching them and doing all different kinds and shaped, they loved it!
I learned early on though that there are some crucial things that make it work. Not the flour, like Kim I use all types
Not the shape either I make all kinds. Not the baking tins either,
I almost always use fresh yeast which I definitely prefer, and I feel it works the dough better personally, and I have tried both.
Also generally use milk and water but it must be the correct temperature, I do a few little tricks Ive learned get the perfect results I want, it is definitely experience that really gets you there too, also experimenting a bit with the bread but not those key things like the liquid being the correct temperature, and the proving process too has to be just right ( again temperature very important in that ) Ive made all kinds of bread.
I stopped for a few years when I moved to Cardiff and the kids left home, but have recently got back into it again.
If this thread is still running I will also post some pics of my next batch

[bykimbo]

If this thread is still running I will also post some pics of my next batch

Yes please!

[buttons-and-bows]

The only yeast I have been able to find it Alinsons or ASDA's dried yeast, ASDA are a dam nuciance in this town we havent any proper shops because of them haveing the council by the whatsits.

[buttons-and-bows]

To be honest sal my bread looked okay till you smelt it or tried to eat it, it even sounded right when I knocked the bottom. I wonder if it's just me who doesn't like the taste or smell, mind you OH wouldn't eat it either and he is like a wheelie bin on legs.

[HerMajesty]

ok. I will admit it. Bowing to pressure I am in the top range of bread makers. Obviously there are several stellar bread makers on eBid....people wise. One thing that helps make bread turn out well is healthy active yeast. Just starting yeast in water and adding it to the flour is not as efficient, I've found, as adding it to your warm water with 1 teaspoon of sugar....I think it gives the yeast something to work on while they are plumping and being rehydrated......Kim's bread looks so yummy..............and we don't compete, as I've not done much in the rustic type bread dept. Her pics make me drool and want to try it, tho.......

[buttons-and-bows]

I have been reading up on the panasonic breadmaker and they say to put your yeast in first and not get it wet, I am still reading up on it as I will probably end up with one.
I have something to sell that will cover the cost, one of those circulation boosters, that I used two or three times and then GP said it's of no use to me.

[madelaine]

I've made some very acceptable German style bread (my sister-in-law christened it "brickenbrot" when visiting us in Germany) using bread mix from Lidl. I love the one with sunflower seeds in it.

[Salomina27]

ok. I will admit it. Bowing to pressure I am in the top range of bread makers. Obviously there are several stellar bread makers on eBid....people wise. One thing that helps make bread turn out well is healthy active yeast. Just starting yeast in water and adding it to the flour is not as efficient, I've found, as adding it to your warm water with 1 teaspoon of sugar....I think it gives the yeast something to work on while they are plumping and being rehydrated......Kim's bread looks so yummy..............and we don't compete, as I've not done much in the rustic type bread dept. Her pics make me drool and want to try it, tho.......

Well THIS is one of the other little secrets I was refferring to, put so eloquently and explained so well by Her Majesty!
I do this too and again Ive tried other methods and with different yeasts, but this is exactly what i do, except I use a mixture of milk and water rather than just water, actually I leave my sugar with the fresh yeast first too, just sir it a littl and then leave the rest for the action to do itself. The sugar melts the yeast, after leaving this till i ts done THATS when I add my warm liquid.
By the way Kim your photos are lovely. Your bread looks different again than mine. I love it when people have their own individual stamp on things.
Fresh yeast IS still available at certain supermarkets. You have to ask. Usually if there is a baker on board they will have some in the back, sometimes they charge you sometimes they dont. I know Sainsbury's for one do it near where I live

[bykimbo]

The only yeast I have been able to find it Alinsons or ASDA's dried yeast, ASDA are a dam nuciance in this town we havent any proper shops because of them haveing the council by the whatsits.

Try a deli or health food shop for Doves. You can also buy it online. Not, alas here, though I am thinking about stocking it now I know that.