I have come to the conclusion that I don’t like store-bought bread. For the last four years or so, I have probably purchased two … or maybe three loaves of the stuff. My bread isn’t that great for grilled cheese sandwiches if I want them to look pretty, so when Carol is here, I buy bread.
My bread machine is one of my go-to appliances. I will never live without one if I can possibly help it. I wouldn’t make bread if I had to do all of the work. I’m lazy that way and want to spend time doing other things. If a machine can do the work for me … I’m all for it. Mine is really nice, but to make good bread, you don’t need anything more than a machine that will mix, knead and let your dough rise. I do not bake bread in my machine because I don’t like the texture of the crust. I use the dough setting, bring it out and shape it for one last ‘rise,’ then bake it in my oven. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
Here are two of my favorite recipes. Dig that bread machine out of your pantry or closet, set it up and use it!
Diane’s Quick Potato Bread
(my grandmother made amazing potato bread – mine is a much simpler recipe and probably not quite as awesome, but it’s my favorite).
In your machine, add these ingredients according to the instructions you have.
1 1/2 C. water
3 T. butter
2 1/2 T. sugar
1 t. salt
1/4 C. potato flakes
3 1/2 C. flour
1 pkg. (2 1/4 t.) yeast
When it has risen appropriately, put it in a cold oven, turn it on to 350 degrees and bake for 40 – 45 minutes. (the cold oven allows it to rise a little more, makes it all fluffy and stuff).
Oat Bread
Place these ingredients in your machine, in the order the machine’s instruction booklet gives to you:
1 1/4 C. water
2 T. butter
1 t. salt
2 T. brown sugar
1/2 C. rolled oats
3 C. flour
1 pkg. (2 1/4 t.) yeast
Let rise, place in cold oven, turn it to 350 degrees and bake for 40-45 minutes.