Baking with a bread machine can be a real joy, but the sheer number of cycles and settings can be confusing. Many beginning bakers are not sure what the different names really mean. Those of you who don’t have the manual or bought your machine second hand may need a little help with the basics. This list should help you navigate the most common settings and cycles found on modern bread machines.
Basic
That perfect white bread mom used to make is on this stage. Basic breads that don’t need much fuss, American breads, and many savory yeast breads bake perfectly using the Basic cycle. However, for sweet breads, this setting is not appropriate. It can result in a bread that is too tough and leavened.
Sweet
Lovers of sweet bread, have no fear. The sweet cycle is your friend. It will help you bake the perfect sweet yeast bread every time. Quick breads, which do not contain yeast, should not be baked on this cycle. The sweet cycle setting includes a rise time and bakes for a different time than sweet yeast breads.
Integral
Whole wheat flour often requires a little more rise time. As a result, the whole wheat cycle includes a slightly longer rise time, allowing the wheat gluten to do its job and the yeast to work. Adding vital wheat gluten to whole wheat bread can eliminate the need to use this cycle. Still, for best results, when using whole wheat flour, use this setting.
French
European loaves require slightly different settings than American-style loaves. Enter the French cycle. You can bake Italian, French and many other European breads on this cycle. The time is slightly longer and on some machines the temperature settings may vary slightly as well. These settings ensure that you will be able to create loaves with the perfect texture and crust that characterize staple European breads such as French and Italian.
Without gluten
Baking gluten-free bread involves the use of non-wheat flours, but can still incorporate yeast. If you’re on a special diet and can’t eat wheat, you can still enjoy the benefits of a breadmaker. Room temperature ingredients and specialty flours like almond, millet, and sorghum usually give the best results. Potato and rice flours, although popular and cheap, do not produce as tasty and satisfying bread. However, they can be a nice addition to a loaf of wheat or gluten-free bread.
Faster Faster
If you want bread in a hurry, break the quick or quick cycle. It varies from machine to machine, but generally implies a shorter rise time. On some machines your bread will taste twice, on others only once. The manufacturer may request rapid rise yeast. If you don’t have the manual handy, it may not be advisable to use this setting.
quick bread
Biscuits and quick breads are great for breakfast or a party. If you love them, you will love this cycle. There is no built-in rise time, as these breads are yeast-free. You may even be able to bake a regular cake with this setting, although results will vary from machine to machine.
Jam
If you have perfectly ripe fruit on hand, test your baker’s skills by making fresh, hot jam. You can do multiple flavor combinations, but keep a few basics in mind. The pan, handle, paddle, and machine can be very hot in this cycle. You’ll need pot holders to remove the pan when you’re done. Use unpureed diced fruit for best results. Find recipes that are specific to your machine and don’t duplicate batches. If the jam spills onto the heating element, it can ruin the machine.
mass
Creating dough for cakes, pastries, cookies and anything else you can think of is much easier with this setting. There is no bake cycle in this setting, so be prepared to finish baking the dough in your oven or, in the case of pasta, press, shape, and slice it to dry for later use. Some machines may incorporate a separate cycle specifically designed for pasta doughs.
others
Your machine may offer cycles as a program cycle, a custom cycle, or a delay start. If you have options not listed here, you can run your machine with nothing but the loaf pan and paddle. Keep an eye on the amount of time spent in each part of the cycle to determine your usage. Opening the machine while it is working will not damage it.
Before you start
Machine-made loaf pans have a limited capacity. Don’t overdo it. If the tray overflows, it can permanently damage the machine. If you would like a copy of your manual, search online. You’d be surprised how many manuals are posted online for users.
Conclution
Although bread machines are generally easy to use, unless you know what the different cycles and settings mean, you can still end up with a disaster instead of a masterpiece. However, the above explanations will help you become more familiar with your machine. Even if you don’t have a manual handy, this should get you started. Happy baking!
