Liquids/milk
Liquids such as milk or a combination of powdered
milk and water, can be used when making bread. Milk
will improve flavour, provide a velvety texture and
soften the crust, while water alone will produce a
crispier crust. Some liquids call for juice (orange, apple,
etc) to be added as a flavour enhancer.
Note: For
most recipes we suggest the use of dry
skimmed milk.
Eggs
Eggs add richness and a velvety texture to bread
doughs and cakes.
Sunflower oil
‘Shortens’ or tenderises the texture of yeast breads.
Butter or margarine can be used as a substitute. If
butter or margarine is used direct from the refrigerator
it should be softened for easier blending during the
mixing cycle.
Baking powder
Baking powder is a raising agent used in cakes. This
type of raising agent does not require rising time
before baking as the chemical reaction works when
liquid ingredients are added.
Bicarbonate of soda
Bicarbonate of soda is another raising agent not to
be confused or substituted for baking powder. It also
does not require rising time before baking as the
chemical reaction works during the baking process.
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The key and most important step when using your
breadmaker is measuring your ingredients precisely
and accurately. It is extremely important to measure
each liquid and dry ingredient properly or it could
result in a poor or unacceptable baking result. The
ingredients must also be added into the baking pan in
the order in which they are given in each recipe. Liquid
and dry measurements are done somewhat differently
and are as follows:
Liquid Measurements
Use the cup provided. When reading amounts, the
measuring cup must be placed on a horizontal flat
surface and viewed at eye level (not on an angle). The
liquid level line must be aligned to the mark of
measurement. A ‘guesstimate’ is not good enough as it
could throw out the critical balance of the recipe.
Dry Measurements
Dry measurements (especially flours) must be done
using the measuring cup provided. Dry measuring must
be done by gently spooning ingredients into the
measuring cup and then once filled, levelling off with
a knife. Scooping or tapping a measuring cup will pack
the ingredients and you will end up with more than is
required. This extra amount could affect the balance of
the recipe. Do not sift the flour, unless stated.
When measuring small amounts of dry or liquid
ingredients (ie yeast, sugar, salt, powdered milk,
honey, molasses) the measuring spoon which is
provided must be used. Measurements must be level,
not heaped as this small difference could throw out
the critical balance of the recipe.
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