When I mention that I make bread from scratch, I get a lot of strange looks. Then, I hear, “I just don’t have time for that.” Typically, that remark comes from retirees and stay at home moms. I want to laugh out loud but that would be rude so I just shrug and mutter, “It doesn’t take that much time.”
Truly, everyone could find time to make their own bread, even full-time working folks. You just need the right tools and you actually have a few options:
Option 1 ~ Food Processor with Metal Blade or Dough Blade
I have not tried this as I just seemed to be jinxed when it comes to using a food processor. (Seriously. The first time I tried to shred cheese, I broke the shred/slice disc.) But, if you have a food processor, this might be the option you prefer. You only make one loaf at a time which is a definite bonus for smaller households. (Choose recipes that call for no more than 4 cups of flour.)
There is a great explanation of how to do it with a recipe HERE at While She Naps.
Option 2 ~ Stand Mixer with Dough Hook
When I first started making my own bread, I used my Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer with the dough hook. Let the mixer combine all the ingredients, remove the hook, cover with a towel and allow the bread to rise in the mixing bowl. Flip the bread out on a floured surface, knead slightly and then divide and place in loaf pans for a second rise. Bake.
Option 3 ~ Bread Machine (Dough Cycle Only, Please)
If you are one to make bread in the bread machine, allowing it to proceed all the way through the process from mix to bake, please do not let me offend. I am just picky about the crust texture of my bread. So, I put the ingredients into my machine, wet first and then dry on top, and set it for the dough cycle. My machine beeps before it beats the bread down for a second rise. When I hear that beep, I remove the dough, shape it into two loaves, place in the greased pans and let it rise for the second time, covered over my preheating oven.
I personally use THIS recipe for our bread but would love to hear from you if you make bread about the recipe you use.
One tip… I store my yeast in the refrigerator. Let your yeast come to room temperature before using it or proof it in warm water. Typically, all bread recipes call for warm water and I just proof it directly in that and add that to my bread machine first. Don’t know how that fits into the manufacturer’s directions (that I lost) but works for me!
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I have been wanting to make my own bread since reading an article in Mother Earth News (http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/Healthy-Bread-No-Knead-Bread-Recipes.aspx). Last night, I finally decided to do it! As soon as the loaf on my counter is gone, I will be trying this method/recipe. I was thinking of sewing my own bread bags for storing. What do you use?
I started out wrapping in aluminum foil since I saw that suggested somewhere but my bread seemed to get soggy and aluminum foil is just a pain. Now, I just save bread bags from hotdogs or whatever bread we have to pick up at the store and use those. I have a friend who orders bread bags but I just cannot picture myself spending money on plastic bags. I have a hard enough time purchasing ziplocs.
My mother uses a bread keeper purchased from Amazon but last I heard, she was not real impressed with it.
I am intrigued by the sewn bags idea. If you try it, please let me know how it works out. Might have to hire you to sew me a few. Maybe you could start an Etsy store! Stranger things have happened. Have you read the new All You issue yet where the moms make reusable baggies for sandwiches and such? They make a BUNDLE of DOUGH! Pardon the pun.