Beginning with my Bread Machine

A few weeks ago, I decided that I would stop buying bread and begin making my own. I didn't have a particular reason; it just sounded like a worthwhile idea. Since then, I've decided that there are a couple of good reasons.

One, it tastes so much better than buying bread. Granted, that could be a downside, especially if I decided to go on a low-carb diet. Probably nothing to worry about for a while. If you see me looking Jabba the Hutt though, ya might want to remind me that I saw this coming.

Two, have you ever read the ingredients on a loaf of bread? Good grief! When I make it at home, I know the ingredients (and can pronounce them all without phonetics!). There's flour, salt, sugar, oil, yeast, ascorbic acid, and sorbitan monostearne.The latter two are in the yeast. While that's not particularly thrilling to me, they are still much better than the unprounouncable paragraph listed on the back of store bought loaves. Ascorbic acid is basically artificial vitamin C. Sorbitan monostearne is an emulsifying agent.

I like baking, but I eat more bread than I have time bake, especially with running around the state visiting folks on all my days off. That's where this wonderful machine comes in!

It's my Sunbeam Bread Machine!
It can make a 1 lb, 1.5 lb, and 2 lb loaf. It has cycles for regular bread, whole wheat bread, dough, quick breads, and jam. This little miracle box belonged to grandparents. They gave it to me not to long ago and I am a very proud new owner.

The first loaf of my new endeavor went well. Well, I know it looks kind of fat and squatty, but it makes a great sandwich!

I used a really simple recipe that I found online at Allrecipes.com that I only changed a little.
1 c. warm water
2 tblsp. olive oil
3c. bread flour
1 tblsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 1/4 tsp bread machine yeast

First, you put in the liquids. Then the flour. Everything else can go on top of the flour. On my machine I used the "1" setting. It turned out wonderfully!
I actually added a few tablespoons more water because the dough looked very dry when first started mixing. 

My next goal is turn out a good loaf of whole wheat bread. I even have the flour already on the counter. I want to eventually use the dough cycle to make my own hamburger and hot dog buns. Maybe even french bread.