We LOVE bread, and fresh baked is certainly the best kind. Making it by hand in a big task, but using a bread maker is easy, fast and cheap.
I have to admit, I used to use the bread maker all the time, however in recent years it seems to get hauled out for pizza dough and rolls, but is rarely used for our bread.
I decided to take the time to figure out the cost per loaf for making a basic bread.
It’s about $0.42 per loaf (give or take a few cents).
Given that it takes 2-3 minutes to set up the breadmaker and load the ingredients, I have decided that I will create a new spot on the counter for it.
Over the next few months I have vowed to use my bread maker at least 2X per week (it will likely be much more) and get creative again with my recipes.
Do you have a bread maker sitting in the pantry, or stored in a cupboard? I challenge you to dig it out an use it!
Tips for using your bread maker:
- Read: Every machine comes with a manual and basic bread recipes. Be sure to read how you are supposed to layer ingredients, suggested amounts of basic ingredients, etc.
- Loaf Size & Shape: In the hot summer months, I bake my bread right in the machine, but, I prefer my loaf without the holes from the hook in the bottom (the hooks mix the bread dough, and create a hole in the bottom of the loaf when removed from the pan). So on days it is not too hot, I put it on the Dough Cycle, and when it beeps, I place the dough in a pan of my own (pictured above in title).
- Experiment: Once you have made some of the basic bread recipes in your machine, be sure to try some variations, or explore the many recipes available online. (My Favourite Links below)
- Have Fun: Bread machines make the kneading and mixing easy, but have fun and be creative with what the final outcome is. Yes, you can make loaves of bread….but you can also make Pizza Dough, Pretzels, Rolls, etc.
My Favourite Bread Machine Recipe Links (NOT traditional breads):
Variety of recipes (basic breads and more):