2. Baking with a bread machine can be a true
pleasure, but the sheer number of cycles and
settings can be confusing. Many beginning
bakers aren't sure what the different names
actually imply. Those of you who don't have the
manual, or bought your machine second-hand
might need a little help with the basics. This list
should help you navigate the most common
settings and cycles found on modern bread
machines.
3. Basic
That perfect white loaf that mom used to make is found
on this setting. Basic breads that don't need a lot of
fuss, American loaves, and many savory yeast
breads are baked perfectly using the basic cycle. For
sweet loaves, however, this setting isn't appropriate.
It can result in an overproofed and yeasty loaf.
4. Sweet
Sweet bread lovers, have no fear. The sweet cycle is
your friend. It will help you to bake the perfect sweet
yeast loaf every time. Quick breads, which contain no
yeast, should not be baked on this cycle. The sweet
cycle setting includes a rise time, and bakes for a
different amount of time than sweet yeast loaves.
5. Whole Wheat
Whole wheat flour often requires a little extra rise time.
As a result, the whole wheat cycle includes a slightly
longer rise time, which allows the wheat gluten to do
its job, and the yeast to work. Adding vital wheat
gluten to a whole wheat loaf may eliminate the need
to use this cycle. Still, for best results, when using a
whole wheat flour use this setting.
6. French
European loaves require slightly different settings than
American style breads. Enter the French cycle. You
can bake Italian, French, and many other European
breads on this cycle. The timing is a bit longer, and
on some machines the temperature settings may
vary slightly as well. These adjustments ensure that
you will be able to create loaves with the perfect
texture and crust that characterize basic European
breads such as French and Italian.
7. Gluten Free
Gluten free bread baking involves the use of non-wheat
flours, but can still incorporate yeast. If you are on a
special diet, and cannot eat wheat, you can still enjoy
the benefits of a bread maker. Room temperature
ingredients, and specialized flours such as almond,
millet, and sorghum, tend to yield the best results.
Potato and rice flours, although popular and cheap,
don't yield as flavorful and rewarding a loaf. They
can, however, make good additions to a wheat or
gluten free bread loaf.
8. Rapid/Quick
If you want bread in a hurry, break out the quick or
rapid cycle. It varies from one machine to another,
but generally involves a shortened rise time. In some
machine, your loaf will proof twice, in others, just
once. Rapid rise yeast may be requested by the
manufacturer. If you on't have the manual on hand, it
might not be advisable to use this setting.
9. Quick Bread
Pound cakes and quick breads are a great breakfast or
party treat. If you love them, you'll love this cycle.
There is no rise time incorporated, since these
breads contain no yeast. You might even be able to
bake a normal cake on this setting, although results
will vary from one machine to another.
10. Jam
If you've got some perfectly ripe fruit on hand, test your
bread maker's skills by making hot, fresh jam. You
can make multiple flavor combinations, but keep a
few basics in mind. The pan, handle, paddle, and the
machine can all be very hot on this cycle. You'll need
potholders to remove the pan when done. Use cubed
fruit not pureed, for the best results. Check for
recipes that are specific to your machine, and don't
double batches. If the jam spills onto the heating
element, it can actually ruin the machine.
