Finding Contentment

Rolling in the dough

My family goes through a lot of two staples:  bread and milk. Since I can't get a cow right now, I decided to see what I could do about the bread.

I began by making a loaf of bread from scratch. Although I figured I would eventually get a bread machine to make the process faster, I wanted to bake one by hand first so I could learn everything involved. I believe any time you learn a new skill you should first begin by learning the hardest and longest method. Then you will always be educated about what really goes into something before you take a more convenient route. 

So a few weeks ago I used Miss Maggie's recipe for beginner's bread and baked a loaf of bread. It came out kind of dense and not very pretty, but edible.

Then last week at our local Goodwill, I hit the jackpot once again. A bread machine for $4! The machine even had the instruction booklet inside,  which is a must when I buy an appliance I have never used before.

The only problem was that, after I got it home, I realized the instruction book was for a completely different bread machine than the one I had purchased! Never having used a bread machine before, I wasn't sure exactly what to do. But it was Miss Maggie's "Hillbilly Housewife" Web site to the rescue once again! (I really love that site!)

I found a generic bread machine manual that was made just for people like me who like to get things second hand! I used the manual to become familiar with the machine then used the "First Loaf of Machine Made Bread" link as a recipe. My first loaf came out great!

Okay, so the top got a little smashed when I turned it upside down to take the kneading paddle out of the bottom, but hubby said the taste was a "smashing" success! I made another loaf yesterday and it also turned out well.

The problem is I can't figure out how to store the bread! The loaves are way too tall to fit in a store bought bread bag. I tried just wrapping it in plasitc wrap but it went stale within a day. Then I tried putting the second loaf in a huge bowl with a lid, but I must have put it in there when it was still warm because moisture collected on the inside. Plus, I don't know what to do with the huge bowl other than keep it sitting on the countertop. I'd like to put the bread in something that would fit in my bread box.

Now that I've figured out how to make bread, does anyone know of a good way to store it?

Bread Machines

09:09 AM, Monday, April 2, 2007 .. Posted by Chas

I use a bread machine for my bread, although I don't bake it in there. I just use the dough or homemade cycle and then separate the dough and bake the bread in my oven. I just think it turns out better. Then after it is cooled I store the bread in a good plastic seal bag. Hope that helps!

Blessings,
Chas

bag

09:33 AM, Monday, April 2, 2007 .. Posted by findingcontentment

What kind of a plastic seal bag do you store it in?

Untitled Comment

09:35 AM, Monday, April 2, 2007 .. Posted by BlueApple

I don't bake my bread in the machine either because I don't like how the crust comes out or the shape. I use the dough cycle in my machine, after it rises once I punch it down, shape into a loaf, slap it in my loaf pan, let it rise for 30 - 45 minutes and then I bake in the oven.

bread--bread machine

12:56 PM, Monday, April 2, 2007 .. Posted by haflinger

Wow great find.. with a price that is great.. I also use a bread machine but I use the dough cyle when its done I shape it put it in a bread pan and bake 45 minutes at 350.. I have many different types of bread recipes with a picture on my blog just look in cooking.. Would love for you to stop by..
First time here great blog.. haflinger

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12:48 AM, Tuesday, April 17, 2007 .. Posted by Care999Idy

I have the same problem with the storage - I've gone to plastic grocery bags until I eat enough for it to fit into a gallon ziplock bag. I have noticed that some catalogues sell extra large bags that you just tie shut for that exact thing ( I also run into this problem at chicken butchering time), but I have been hesitant to spend the money on bags. You might look at Lehmans or King Arthur Flour to see if you can find any. I think I'm going to have to break down and get some. Ohh the plastic grocery produce bags work for me, but I really dont buy much produce from the store, so it doesnt seem Iike I ever have those on hand!
Carolyn