Vital Ingredients in the Bread Making Process

If you have decided to purchase your first bread machine you may not know the importance of using the correct ingredients when making that first loaf of bread. Although different recipes may require a variety of ingredients to enhance and change flavor, there are some staple ingredients that are necessary every time. It is important to understand these ingredients to make sure your results remain consistent loaf after loaf.

Bread flour is the number one ingredient in most homemade bread. Different from all purpose flour, bread flour has a higher gluten content which aids in creating chewy and springy bread. Bread flour can be bought at most supermarkets. If you intend to make many loaves of bread buying flour in bulk is a cost effective alternative. When finished, leftover flour should be stored in a sealed, moisture-proof container to ensure freshness for later use.

Yeast, a single-celled fungus, is a vital ingredient in bread which aids in the process of leavening, or the rising of the bread. When yeast is combined with sugar the yeast releases carbon dioxide and ethyl alcohol which in turn create air bubbles that help the dough rise. For this reason, it is very important that the yeast added to your bread is fresh to ensure that it rises properly. After opening, store yeast in a sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer. Note that frozen yeast does not requiring thawing before use.

Regular cane sugar is an ingredient required in most bread recipes and is crucial to help feed the yeast and aid in the process of rising. Other natural sweeteners such as honey, molasses or brown sugar are also acceptable. Sugar substitutes such as Splenda have also shown to contain enough sugar to encourage yeast to grow while also reducing calories and carbohydrates in your bread.1

Now that you know a little more about the ingredients necessary to make your first loaf of bread, feel free to browse the various products available at BreadMakingMachine.net. Read consumer reviews, look at pictures and find a bread making machine in your price range, whether that may be new, used or refurbished. Be on your way to making fresh, delicious bread from your own home in no time!


1http://www.splenda.com/cooking-baking/sugar-blend

"