Archive for the ‘Breadmaking’ Category

Understanding the Kinds of Bread

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

There are several types of bread, each also having its own special features and characteristics. Bread can be eaten in different ways. People around the world prefer certain types of bread, depending on their basic needs and personal preferences. Understanding the qualities of each will help you learn how to prepare them better and with less problems.

The Different Types

Bread is a popular food in many societies. Every Asian society prefers steamed bread or noodles or rice. Bread is usually made using wheat-flour dough cultured with yeast, risen and baked inside an oven. Owing to the high levels of gluten, common wheat is the most basic grain used to prepare bread, although bread is also created from flour of other existing wheat species like emmer, durum, spelt, maize, rye, oats and barley. Common wheat is usually made for creating white bread. Other types of wheat are capable of creating black bread of good quality. Spelt bread is widely consumed in European countries. Emmer bread is a staple food in the Middle East. Canadian bread is known for its healthy consistency and high protein content.

Knowing the Breads

White bread is created from flour that only has the center part of the grain, called the endosperm. Brown bread is created using 10% bran and endosperm. It can also mean white bread with coloring added like caramel to provide a brown color. This is also known as wheat bread. Wheat germ bread has provided wheat germ for more flavor. Wholemeal bread has the entire wheat grain or the bran and the endosperm. It is also known whole grain or whole wheat bread, especially in North America.

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More Bread

Wholegrain bread is similar to wholemeal bread or to white bread with whole grains added to boost fiber content. Roti is described as whole wheat bread consumed in South Asia. Another Roti variant is called Naan. Granary bread is created from granary flour. It is created using brown flour or malted white flour, whole grains and wheat germ. Unleavened bread does not have yeast and does not rise. Rye bread is created with flour using rye grain of different levels. It has higher fiber content compared to other bread types.

Quick breads are chemically leavened breads, usually having both baking powder and baking soda, plus a balance of alkaline ingredients and acidic ingredients. Some of the examples include muffins, pancakes, waffles and Boston brown bread.

Among Cultures

There are so many variations of bread such as chapattis, pitas, biscuits, naan, bagels, tortillas, brioche, baguettes, puris, lavash and pretzels. Tortillas are staple food in Mexico. There is also the pan dulce and bolillo which are commonly eaten by Mexicans during breakfast. In the Philippines, peple eat pan de sal which is rounded bread. In Spain, bread is referred to as pan. In Peru, sweet bread is eaten together with hot chocolate and butter.

Scottish people eat plain bread which is taller and thinner. The French eat pan bread used for toast or for making stuffing. Italians have several breadmaking recipes and usually eat large loaves and breadrolls.

Of course, it’s impossible to put everything about Breadmaking into just one article. But you can’t deny that you’ve just added to your understanding about Breadmaking, and that’s time well spent.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

How to Make Cinnamon Bread

Saturday, April 9th, 2011

If you have even a passing interest in the topic of Breadmaking, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of Breadmaking.

Cinnamon bread is a great and delicious snack or breakfast that you can easily prepare by simply following a few instructions. You will find that you can customize the appearance and flavor later on as you master the basics. It is important that you understand the nature of the bread as well, so you avoid minor accidents like burning the bread too much.

Initial Steps

First, take the bread, then toast it at around 4 to 5 degrees to attain the crispy nature. Ideally, you should use whole wheat bread. Make sure that you do not burn the bread. Kids should properly be trained, to avoid any injury. Put honey on the two slices of bread. Just put enough so that you get a bitter taste once you reach the next step. Bee’s honey is recommended, especially those that are made only from all-natural ingredients. Processed honey may make the bread too bitter.

Sprinkle cinnamon on both slices of bread as you prefer. There are small packets of cinnamon available at your local grocery store. Stack the slices, then warm these inside the microwave for 20 seconds, so that the honey and cinnamon can melt at the same time, providing you with quality flavor.

To finish off the recipe, you can top the cinnamon with small banana slices or place these at the side. This can be stored easily inside your refrigerator, so you only have to microwave in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.

You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about Breadmaking. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Cinnamon swirl bread is also very easy to make. Make the regular dough, but instead of shaping it instantly into a loaf, roll it out on the counter. Sprinkle the dough with a combination of sugar and cinnamon. You will need about 2 teaspoons of cinnamon together with 1/4 cup of sucanat. Roll the dough up. Poke the ends underneath to create the loaf shape, then put inside a butter bread pan. Allow the loaf to rise about 30 to 45 minutes and bake. You will find that the bread is better if lightly toasted and buttered. Eat with a glass of milk or coffee.

The Cinnamon Pita Bread

To make cinnamon pita bread, add some cinnamon and sugar on top of the rounds of pita dough before you bake. You can readily eat this or stuff a few raisins inside the rolled form together with some butter for more flavor. It is not recommended, however, to cook the pita bread together with the raisins, since 500 degrees F will scorch the raisins, making your pita bread very bitter.

Feel free to add any condiments after you have cooked the cinnamon pita bread. You can add honey and butter while baking to give it a unique and savory smell. You can make more servings by sticking with the pita bread recipe. Store any excess inside an airtight container or inside the refrigerator. You can just reheat it anytime for a few minutes before serving. This can last several days or weeks.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

How to Make Whole Wheat Bread

Thursday, April 7th, 2011

The only way to keep up with the latest about Breadmaking is to constantly stay on the lookout for new information. If you read everything you find about Breadmaking, it won’t take long for you to become an influential authority.

It is important to understand the special techniques in making whole wheat bread. Homemade whole wheat bread has a distinct taste and texture, not to mention, all the nutrients that will keep you slim and fit. Some individuals use 100% whole wheat flour but fail to acquire the right firmness. You may end up with a very hard loaf if you do not follow the guidelines strictly. Here are some tried and proven tips from the experts.

The Basic Factors

To make the best 100% whole wheat bread, you need 3 things. First, always use adequately high protein flour, or alternatively, add some vital wheat gluten to the bread dough. Second, avoid adding flour a long while before you need to. Third, knead consistently and nonstop. You will find that using a food processor helps you with the kneading process, since you get to save more time and effort. You can also use your hands or a mixer with a dough hook to get the job done.

Whole wheat flour is heavier compared to white flour, so you need to develop good strong gluten to make a soft crumb and pleasing texture. The higher protein content you have, the more gluten available. Avoid adding too much flour or you risk creating loaves that are hard as a brick. Kneading continuously leads to gluten forming a consistent and strong matrix.

The Recipe

You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about Breadmaking. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?

To make a full loaf, you will need 3.5 cups of 100% whole wheat flour, 2 tablespoons of vital wheat gluten, 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 package of dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 tablespoon of liquid lecithin and warm water. If you are using food processors to do the kneading for you, always use ice water. Once you master the recipe, feel free to add more ingredients like seeds and nuts.

These ingredients are enough to make a loaf weight about 1 1/4 pounds, baked inside an 8.5 x 4.5 inch pan. This pan is ideal compared to metal or glass pans. The metal can create an ideal exterior crust along the sides, baking the loaf evenly throughout. The smooth hard surface will let go of the loaf quickly after baking. This pan also cleans up very easily.

Understanding the Process

There are a number of processes to be followed to make 100% whole wheat bread that has soft and crumb texture. You can knead using a food processor, your hands or the mixer, but the process is radically the same. The 4 processes included are the mixing process, the kneading process, the rising process and the baking process.

Using Bread Machines

You can also use bread machines that provide you the exact amount of every ingredient added in a certain order. You can have the machine operate independently to do the four processes. This is excellent with dough that is made with some white flour. It is not ideal for dough that is 100% whole wheat flour. Whole wheat bread generally requires more rising and kneading times.

Sometimes it’s tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I’m positive you’ll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

How to Make Cinnamon Bread Rolls

Saturday, April 2nd, 2011

Cinnamon bread rolls are delectable treats that you can eat during coffee breaks, at parties and on other special occasions. You can enjoy these with family and friends. There are different flavors to enjoy. The good thing about making a cinnamon bread roll recipe is that the dough can be filled, shaped, mixed and frozen. You can make more and just thaw these before serving. These can be prepared in just a few minutes, perfect for breakfast.

The Ingredients

To make the cinnamon bread rolls, you will need 1 cup of milk, heated about 1 minute inside the microwave oven, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, 1/4 cup of warm water about 110 degrees F, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 cup of butter, 2 beaten eggs, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vital wheat gluten, 5 cups of bread flour, cinnamon filling, butter frosting and 3 teaspoons of active dry yeast.

Using a Bread Machine

Add all needed ingredients, except for the butter frosting and cinnamon filling, inside the bread pan of the bread machine. Process everything based on the instructions given by the manufacturer for a dough setting. When the dough cycle has been completed by the bread machine, take out the dough from the pan and place on a lightly oiled surface. Use a non-stick cooking spray. Form the dough into an oval shape, then cover using a plastic wrap. Allow everything to rest for 10 minutes.

Check the dough. Make sure that it forms a solid but elastic ball. If the dough is too moist, you may add more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If the dough is gnarly and dry, you may add warm water, one tablespoon at a time. If looking is not enough, you can stick your finger into the dough. Ideally, it should be tacky.

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The Standup Mixer

If you are using a standup mixer. Mix all the ingredients according to the instructions given, except for the butter frosting and cinnamon filling. Use a dough hook, then mix all the ingredients together until you form a soft dough. Turn the dough onto a lightly oiled surface. Use non-stick cooking spray. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic for about 10 minutes. Cover the bowl using plastic wrap then allow to rest for 10 minutes.

Using a Food Processor

Place the dry mixture inside the processing bowl. While the motor is running, you may add eggs, butter and liquid ingredients. Process everything until well-mixed. Continue processing the ingredients, then add more flour until you form a soft ball. Turn the dough onto a lightly oiled surface. Use non-stick cooking spray, then knead until the dough becomes elastic. Cover the bowl using plastic wrap and allow to rest for 10 minutes.

Next Tips

Beginning with the long edge, roll the dough up, pinching the seams to seal. Rolling the log very tightly will lead to cinnamon rolls with the centers popped up over the rest as these bake. You can add the flavors according to your personal preference.

Sometimes it’s tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I’m positive you’ll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

How to Make Flat Bread

Saturday, March 19th, 2011

The following article lists some simple, informative tips that will help you have a better experience with Breadmaking.

Flat bread is one of the easiest types of bread to make. There are different kinds available as well. You can expect to whip up a couple or more in only a few hours. You can even have fun inviting your partner or kids along to do the bread making. Flat bread can be very tasty and nutritious, while there are also others that are simple and fat-free. Here are some tips.

Making Fat-Free Flat Bread

Some of the ingredients you will need to begin include baking powder, hot water and flour. Get 1 tablespoon of baking powder for every 2 cups of flour. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly. Use the dough hooks in a mixer using relatively slow speed. Add the hot water slowly until you form a thick and sticky ball. Use dry flour on both hands, on the counter and on the rolling pin to keep the dough from sticking. Hand knead the dough and be careful not to over knead.

Start forming dough balls with sizes slightly bigger compared to a golf ball. Roll the dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Cook the dough immediately over medium heat or less. Flip it once after the bubbles rise in the dough. Cover the cooked fried bread using a towel until everything is ready to eat. Enjoy the flat bread and eat the same way you would a tortilla. You can deep fry it with butter or sprinkle on some sugar and cinnamon to be enjoyed as a delectable dessert.

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You will find it easier to use a round cast iron griddle, although a good mixer can do a decent job. If you do not own a mixer, you can stir the contents using your hand and a sturdy wooden spoon. You can even mix using your fingers. Knead the dough briefly, not like you would a yeasted bread. The goal is just to blend the dough to create smooth consistently, instead of building gluten.

A More Versatile Recipe

Get a cup of white all-purpose flour and a cup of whole wheat flour. This recipe becomes an Indian and Mexican fusion because of the flours used. Add 1 package of dry yeast to the dry flour to keep it protected from the warm water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar. If you want to experiment using other spices like rosemary, sesame seeds and garlic, you may add these as well. Mix all the dry ingredients very well. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into the flour and spices using your hands.

Divide the dough and form evenly round balls. Measure 1 cup of hot water in a measuring cup and 1 tablespoon of molasses or honey. Add these to the dry ingredients and mix together until you form a soft ball that is not very sticky.

Allow everything to rest for 30 minutes. Make 8 to 10 small balls. Cut the dough ball into 2, then half this again. Flatten the round balls using a rolling pin. Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes, while waiting for the griddle to get warm. Cook the dough using medium high heat. When the bread puffs and bubbles, flatten using a spatula and push the air bubble around the inside before you press firmly to let go of the air.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Comparing Sourdough and Sourbread

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

In today’s world, it seems that almost any topic is open for debate. While I was gathering facts for this article, I was quite surprised to find some of the issues I thought were settled are actually still being openly discussed.

Originally, sourdough points to the cultures of various microbes located in the San Francisco area. Later on, the term refers to miners who brought sourdough starters everywhere they go. In recent periods, the growth of huge-scale commercial baking, plus the invention of different dough flavouring agents, led to sourdough referring to any type of sour bread, regardless of whether it is leavened with natural leaven starter or using commercial baker’s yeast. The term may confuse a number of individuals, but knowing the details and understanding how it is made can better improve your technique.

The Differences

Sourdough starter is a culture of natural or wild yeast, together with lactobacilli in a medium of liquid and flour. It is propagated using ongoing feedings or refreshments with the sole purpose of leavening bread dough. It is ongoing and continues from one activation or bake to another. Sourdough bread has been leavened using a sourdough starter. It may or may not be a sour bread, based on the characteristics of the starter.

Sourdough is the term used to describe the natural leaven of natural or wild yeast and lactobacilli. It is the process of leavening bread using a natural leaven. The yeasted starter describes the starter that has the commercial bakers’ yeast.

Being Sour

I trust that what you’ve read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

Sour bread, also known as faux sourdough, describes any kind of bread that has the sour flavor, because of a flavouring agent like souring salts, ingredients like vinegar or yogurt or process that does not include a natural leaven starter or a sourdough.

Sourdough bread does not have need to be sour bread. Sourdough bread can be very sour, although it is also normal for it not to be sour. It can be subtly flavored using delicious and rich wheaty flavors. With sourdough, the level of sourness will depend on several factors like the kind of grains, temperature, length of fermentation, specific yeast strains and lactobacilli and the amount of water.

About Hooch

As the starter is left in the refrigerator, the mixture will begin to separate, leading to a layer of liquid forming at the top. The liquid will have about 12 to 14 percent alcohol. Hooch is described as the alcoholic by-product of the process of fermentation. This is will feature a unique brownish color. The alcohol dissipates while baking. You can stir the liquid back into the starter before you use it. Hooch can build up in the starter, especially if you keep it in the refrigerator. You can pour it or stir it back inside. You can mix the hooch back in if the sourdough starter is on the dry area. Throw it away if the starter is very moist.

Natural Leavens

Starters created using commercial bakers’ yeast are not natural leavens. These are actually yeasted starters that do not produce the same results in terms of shelf-life, flavor and texture like natural leaven starters. It is possible that a yeasted starter can be taken over using natural yeasts and changing it into a natural leaven.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

Making Cinnamon Bread Rolls

Friday, March 4th, 2011

Cinnamon bread rolls are very easy and fun to make. You can use different tools and equipment to prepare the ingredients. You can also add the different flavors and spices to give it more uniqueness and creativity. You will find that there are several variations that you can develop over time. You can also practice making your own recipes of butter frosting and cinnamon fillings. Here are some more tips for the experts.

Working the Dough

Start with the long edge of the dough, then roll it up. Pinch the seams to seal. Rolling to log very tightly will cause the cinnamon rolls with the centers popping up higher than the rest as these bake. Using a knife, lightly mark the roll into 1 1/2 inch sections. Use a sharp knife or slide a 12-inch piece of heavy thread or dental floss below. Bring the ends of the floss up and criss-cross these over every mark. You can cut right through the roll by pulling the strings in opposite directions. Place the cut side up in a ready pan, then flatten these slightly. The unbaked cinnamon rolls must not touch each other before these rise and bake. Do not pack the cinnamon bread rolls together.

The Unbaked Cinnamon Rolls

Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:

You can now cover the cinnamon rolls in plastic wrap then refrigerate it overnight. You can also leave it frozen for a month. Before you bake, let the rolls thaw completely, then rise in a warm place if frozen. You may need to take out the unbaked rolls out of the freezer 10 to 12 hours before baking. Place the frozen cinnamon rolls on the counter overnight to prepare.

If you are using refrigerated rolls, you can let these bake once you take them out of the refrigerator or let them go down to room temperature. The rolls may slowly rise overnight. You do not need to let the rolls come to room temperature before you bake. If the rolls are not rising high enough after refrigeration, the yeast must be tested. Let these rise while being left on the counter, until you reach the ideal height.

Baking

After you make the bread, cover then let it rise in a warm place for about 45 to 60 minutes or until these have doubled in size. After the rolls rise, these should be touching each other as well as the sides of the pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F if you are using a regular oven or 325 degrees F if you are using a convection oven. Bake inside the convection oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, until you notice a light golden brown color. Bake inside a regular oven for about 20 to 25 minutes until you see a light golden brown color.

Take these out of the oven and allow to cool slightly. You can spread butter frosting over the cinnamon rolls while these are still warm. Feel free to add condiments as you like. Cinnamon filling and butter frosting can also be added at room temperature.

Is there really any information about Breadmaking that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Familiarizing Baking Ingredients

Friday, March 4th, 2011

When most people think of Breadmaking, what comes to mind is usually basic information that’s not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there’s a lot more to Breadmaking than just the basics.

Making bread will involve a variety of ingredients and tools. Understanding the effects of each one will ensure that you make bread that is flavorful and of good quality. You may be surprised to know that some of the most common ingredients can change the nature of the bread drastically even with mild application. You can acquire these in many outlets, the internet and through local dealers. Here are some more tips about baking ingredients.

On Sweeteners

Liquid sweeteners help provide more taste to the bread. Honey and molasses are some of the most common options. Sweeteners provide moistness to the bread as well, giving it a better appearance and longer shelf-life. Sweet things also feed yeast. You can also use barley malt syrup. When using honey, be careful about using very high temperatures, since it can scorch and brown the bread. 1/3 cup of honey for every 2 loaves is recommended.

About Salt

Salt generally boosts the flavor of the bread and manages the fermentation process. Bread without salt becomes flat and tasteless. Do not add salt to the liquid wherein the yeast is dissolving since this can prevent yeast growth. You can use real salt, earth mineral salt or unrefined sea salt. Use 1 tablespoon for every 2 loaves. A lot of recipes require less.

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Other Present Ingredients

Lecithin comes from soybeans and helps keep bread soft and moist. It slows down the oxidation of the liquid components and functions as a binder. Lecithin appears in liquid, granular or powdered form. 1.5 tablespoons of granular or liquid per loaf is enough as a binder. If you use the powdered form, make sure to follow the guidelines written on the can.

Malt, barley malt syrup or diastatic malt powder are sweet derivatives of toasted barley. These provide nutrition and boost texture, shelf life and appearance. Exchange 1 tablespoon of sweetener in the recipe together with 2 tablespoons of syrup and 1/2 teaspoon of powder. If you put in too much, your bread can become gummy, very sweet or bitter and dense. Vital wheat gluten or gluten flour is taken from high protein wheat. It also serves as a binder, resulting to dough becoming more elastic.

If the flour is lower than 16% protein, you need to add more gluten. Gluten also aids in the compensation of damage done to bread gluten because of the jagged edges of the bran, happening during the milling procedure. 1 to 2 tablespoons for every loaf is adequate. Too much gluten flour will lead to bread becoming rubbery and tough.

Final Ingredients

Oats or oatmeal provides added moistness and crunch to bread. This will lead to good toasting bread. You can add 1 cup of rolled oats for every 2 loaves. Pour 1 to 2 cups of boiling water over the rolled oats and allow to cool. Whey in liquid or powdered form is a dairy by-product. It contains a lot of milk sugar, protein and minerals. It also helps in the browning process and sweetens the bread a little.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

Yeast 101

Monday, February 28th, 2011

Imagine the next time you join a discussion about Breadmaking. When you start sharing the fascinating Breadmaking facts below, your friends will be absolutely amazed.

There are 2 kinds of dry yeast instant yeast and regular active dry yeast. These can be used alternately depending on the needs of the baker and the kind of bread you want to make. There are some advantages between the two. You can also boost the standard yeast and bread recipes and formulations by altering the yeast. You will find that the characteristics of the bread also changes as you make the necessary adjustments.

Yeast Introduction

Instant yeast is also called quick rise, rapid-rise, fast rising or bread machine yeast. This kind has the benefit of boosting rising time. Compared to active dry yeast, the dough gets to rise only in half the time. The standard yeast bread formulations can be enhanced by alternating the yeast inside the recipe. Instant yeast is ground more finely and can absorb moisture in a smaller amount of time. It quickly changes sugars and starch to carbon dioxide, the little bubbles that cause the dough to stretch and expand.

About Active Dry Yeast

Active dry yeast is also known as compressed yeast or cake yeast. Prepare 1 package of dry active yeast. This is equal to about 1/4 ounce or 2.25 teaspoons. A 4-ounce jar of active dry yeast is equal to 14 tablespoons. 1 cube or cake of compressed yeast or fresh yeast is equal to 1 package of active dry yeast. Active dry yeast possesses a larger particle size compared to the instant active type, making it vital to proof water before using. The recommended water temperatures will change depending on the manufacturer, although it is usually between 100 to 115 degrees F.

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You can store active dry yeast longer (about 1 year) if not opened at room temperature. It will also have a longer shelf life if frozen. You can put it directly inside the freezer in its vacuum sealed pack. If frozen, you can directly use it without thawing.

Opened active dry yeast can keep longer than 6 months in the refrigerator and about 12 months inside the freezer. You should store yeast in its original container with the open flap folded closed in a resealable plastic bag. It can lose its power by as much as 10% every month if only stored at room temperature and opened without the safety outer container.

Instant Yeast

1 envelope of instant yeast is equal to 1.25 ounce or 2.25 teaspoons. 1 cube or cake of compressed yeast is equal to 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. To exchange bread machine or instant yeast for active dry yeast, you can use 25% less instant yeast compared to active dry yeast. Instant dry yeast does not necessarily have to be active by warm liquid. The yeast has been made from various strains of yeast to make breads. Rapid rise yeast is more finely granulated compared to active dry yeast, so it cannot be dissolved in water first. It can placed straight to the dry ingredients. It is a good choice among bread machines.

Instant active yeast is added to dry ingredients. The liquid part of the recipe’s ingredients should be warmed to about 120 to 130 degrees F to make the dough. The bread recipe will only need one packet of instant dry active yeast to rise. The first rise is substituted by a 10-minute rest. You do not have to punch the dough in after. The second rise is after the dough is shaped into a loaf.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

The Sourdough Starter Recipe

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Sourdough started about 6,000 years ago when human found out how to boost the leavening and fermentation of grains to be brewed into drinks or baked into bread. A portion of the fermented grains were then saved by people in the past to begin the fermentation of the next batch of bread. Sourdough was then born from this recurring practice. The saved part is now referred to as a sourdough starter. The bread made from the mix is called sourdough bread.

What is Sourdough?

A sourdough starter is described as a natural leaven, or a mix of liquid and grains where wild yeasts and bacteria thrive to flavor and leaven the bread dough. The yeasts thrive naturally on the grain surface, in the air or soil and in fruits and vegetables. The bacteria are specific strains of the benign bacteria Lactobacillus.

Yeast and lactobacilli live peacefully in a symbiotic relationship. Both do not try to get food from each other. Yeast actually helps feed lactobacilli in certain cases. Lactobacilli, in turn, create an acidic area that is conducive for the yeast. The acids inside the culture will serve as an antibiotic wherein the lactobacilli can provide a protective environment for yeast. Lactobacilli help bread rise as well. Similar to yeast, the bacteria digest simple sugars located in flour to produce carbon dioxide and ethanol. The acetic and lactic acids created add flavor to the bread, having a wide array of flavors. In certain periods, the bread can have a sour tang because of sourdough.

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The Recipe

The ingredients you will need are 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet or 2.25 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar and 2 cups of warm water (about 110 to 115 degrees F). You can also get good results by using whole wheat flour. Whole wheat start will not have a lot of rising action compared to something made with white flour. You have to plan longer rising periods. Adding whole wheat flour together with white flour can also be done to cut rising time.

More Tips

If you add some sugar, you will boost the yeast process. Yeast feeds on sugar to get extra energy. Yeast will rise by feeding on the sugars inside the flour and getting rid of carbon dioxide in the process. Do not put in too much sugar, however. If the water you use has chlorine, you can use bottled water, tap water or distilled water instead. Make sure you set this out for 1 days before you make the starter. Chlorine can cease the yeast development.

Mix the yeast, sugar and flour together in a sterile container. Ideally, you should only use ceramic or glass to contain 2 quarts. Stir in the water and continue mixing until you create a thick paste. Cover the container using a dish cloth and allow to sit at 70 to 80 degrees F. Temperatures higher than 100 degrees F usually kill the yeast. Observe how the yeast rises as you finish the process for optimum results.

Don’t limit yourself by refusing to learn the details about Breadmaking. The more you know, the easier it will be to focus on what’s important.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO