A convenient and multifunctional bread maker has long become an integral attribute of any modern kitchen and is ideal for those who prefer aromatic and tasty homemade bread to store-bought options. Many people are interested in the main question of what can be cooked in a bread machine, and which set of programs is best to choose in each specific case. The selection of such a device depends entirely on individual needs, so it is worth finding out in advance what functions of modern bread makers are available to the buyer.
Popular options
The functionality of the most common bread machine models usually includes the same programs. Some brands complement more expensive and innovative devices with additional options that can make the life of any housewife much easier. In addition to bread, in a bread maker you can prepare jams, knead dough, as well as various baked goods according to various recipes, for example, baguette. The list of the most popular programs includes the following items:
- Dough kneading option, with which the device can independently prepare dough with any components. To do this, you just need to add the necessary ingredients to the baking dish and select the appropriate operating mode. The bread maker is able to independently knead the dough and wait until it rises, and then it will carry out the baking process. A device with a dough kneading function helps you bake not only bread, but also pies, pizza, pies and other baked goods.
- A function called baguette, which helps to prepare this type of bread at home without any problems, and such a baguette will have a no less crispy crust than the purchased version.
Baguette molds
- The option of making jams and preserves - for this you need to prepare chopped fruits and berries, as well as sugar, in advance. The form is filled with this mixture, then the desired mode is activated. Although the amount of such jam will not be too large, the finished product will retain much more beneficial properties, since it will not be subjected to intensive heat treatment.
- The ability to choose the color of the crust, which allows you to choose a specific color and degree of roasting. This function is ideal for gourmets and lovers of good bread.
- Availability of an automatic dispenser and program for baking rich pastries. Baked sweets usually include nuts, dried fruits and other additives. The bread machine dispenser automatically adds the necessary ingredients at the right time throughout the entire cooking process.
Automatic dispenser
- A mode for maintaining the temperature at the desired level and a function for heating ready-made bread and other baked goods at any convenient time, including baguette or unleavened bread. With its help, you can get rich and hot baked goods with a pleasant aroma from your device when it’s convenient.
List of dishes that can be prepared
Let's look at the features of these programs in a little more detail:
- "Dough". The oven kneads the dough and allows it to rise, which allows it to be used in the future for making homemade baked goods (pizza, pies, etc.). The duration of this cycle is about one and a half hours. During this time, you can have time to prepare several types of filling without being distracted by working with flour;
- "Kneading." Used for quickly kneading dough without raising it. The duration of work does not exceed 15 minutes. Ideal for preparing yeast-free products, as well as pancakes;
- "Yogurt". Makes it possible to obtain a delicious, natural, preservative-free product from milk and sourdough. As a starter, you can use natural yogurt without additives or dyes with a minimum shelf life. Cooking time depends on the weight of the components and can range from 6 to 8 hours. Where there are small children or allergy sufferers in the family, the finished product will become a real source of health for them;
- "Jam". Considering that a bread maker is a household appliance, and its bowl volume does not exceed 1.5 liters, the question may arise: is it worth running this program for the sake of a very modest yield of the final product? If we are talking about preparations for the winter, then this amount (about 1 kg maximum) may not be enough. But for breakfast for a family of 3-4 people this will be quite enough, especially since production will take no more than an hour and a half;
- "Cake". In this mode, you can prepare not only a cupcake, but also an Easter cake. The manufacturing cycle will take about three hours.
Perhaps, after analyzing these additional modes, you will want to buy a bread maker for your home. Don't deny yourself this pleasure. The smell of fresh baked goods wafting through the rooms will make your morning kinder, and the taste of a homemade breakfast will lift your spirits.
List of additional functions
The capabilities of a modern bread maker can surprise even the most sophisticated buyers who constantly monitor the emergence of various technical innovations on the market and prefer to purchase innovative devices from well-known brands. In addition to other options for bread machines, manufacturers often equip them with special modes, for example, the ability to choose between several flour options. Since each variety has its own characteristics, bread made from a certain type of flour must be cooked for a long or, conversely, a shorter period of time.
A convenient timer can significantly facilitate the process of baking even the most complex products; it can be set at any time, for example, early in the morning or evening. With this option, the device will independently prepare bread for breakfast or when you come home from work. You will first need to load all the necessary components into the mold and select the desired baking mode, then the device will be able to make a baguette or any other type of bread that will retain its taste and aroma.
With timer function
On sale you can often find bread makers with a delayed start function - this option is similar to a timer, but it works differently in some devices.
Another very useful function is protection against power surges, which is found in almost all devices of this type. It is indispensable in rooms where voltage fluctuations are frequent, and the duration of operation of the option depends on the type and cost of the specific model. In budget options, the oven memory lasts 5-10 minutes, in more expensive models it can reach 40 minutes.
Easter cake
With the onset of Easter, many housewives are puzzled whether to bake an Easter cake on their own or buy it in a store. Of course, store-bought ones are much inferior in taste to home-made ones, but preparing Easter at home is a procedure that requires a lot of time and special skills. And here a bread maker can solve this problem. She will practically bake a lush and delicious Easter for the holiday on her own. Its versatility will allow you to knead the dough efficiently, give it the opportunity to “rise” and, thanks to the built-in mode, bake Easter in a specified time.
Pies, loaves, buns, Easter cakes and other baked goods are excellent in a bread maker. It is no coincidence that every year more and more people want to have this miracle appliance in their kitchen, and a huge variety of recipes will help make your table rich, satisfying and varied. In addition, it is no secret that home-cooked dishes can significantly save the family budget.
How to make the right choice
To be sure to make the right choice and purchase the right bread machine, the functionality of which will meet your requirements, you need to decide in advance about your preferences and choose a specific model in a specific price segment. First of all, you need to pay attention to the build quality of the device and not purchase stoves with uneven joints on the body. The length of the power cord is also of great importance: too long will interfere, and a short one will limit the ability to move the device. The optimal length, judging by reviews, is considered to be 1-1.2 m.
The rubber seals on some bread machines can wear out faster due to the ingredients being poured into the dough pan in the wrong order. It is worth remembering that it is best to add dry ingredients first and then liquid ingredients - this simple rule will help maintain the functionality of the device for a long time and avoid unplanned visits to the service center. Before purchasing, it would be a good idea to find out what can be cooked in the chosen model and study all the functions of this bread machine. This selection method will help you guarantee that you will choose the best option that is ideal for you.
What functions does a home oven have?
The capabilities of a home oven for baking bread may surprise even those who are accustomed to purchasing only the latest units and following the emergence of new technologies on the market. These people buy innovative devices from well-known manufacturers. But in addition to the usual bread baking options, manufacturers of such ovens provide them with special modes. Among them there is a choice of types of flour.
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After all, each variety has some characteristics, so bread from one or another type of dough will take a certain amount of time to cook - shorter or longer. There is also a modern timer that can make baking even difficult baked goods easier. You can set it at the time you need. For example, it could be evening or morning.
Such capabilities of the baking machine will help you quickly prepare pastries and taste fresh bread for breakfast or eat warm bread in the evening after a working day. But first, you will have to put all the components required to prepare the baked product inside the oven, select the shape and the required cooking mode. After this, you can get a baguette or other type of baked goods. At the same time, it will have an excellent aroma and taste.
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What can you cook in a bread machine?
While our car enthusiasts are spending all their time at home during self-isolation, they are discovering new talents. Cooking rightfully occupies one of the first places, because you want to please yourself and your loved ones with something delicious. A bread maker is an appliance that many housewives now have. By the way, if you don’t know what to give to your wife who loves to cook, this is a great gift.
And you are mistaken if you assume that a bread maker is just an oven with a built-in dough mixer and several programs for preparing it. If you delve a little deeper into the study of the device, you will notice a couple of interesting programs that will help you prepare a lot of other dishes.
Pie is perhaps the most popular thing, after bread, that can be prepared in a bread machine. The program is usually called simply "Bake" or "Bake Only". In this mode, you remove the kneading blade and use the appliance simply as an oven. Mix the ingredients as you please in the form itself. Most often, in addition to yeast, you will have to add baking powder to make the cake rise, but do not overdo it with the amount so that it does not rise over the top.
Meatloaf. A more unconventional way to use the Bake or Bake Only program is to bake meatloaf. As with the pie, you're simply using your bread maker as an oven, so don't forget to remove the kneading blade. Next is your flight of fancy. Add your favorite minced meat, onions, spices, cheese and wait for the cherished sound of the end of baking. The meatloaf comes out nice and cooked through, although the top could be crispier.
Note that when baking in a loaf pan, the fat has nowhere to go, so it just sits on top of the meatloaf. As soon as you take it out of the bread machine, we advise you to pour out the fat so that the dish does not turn out to be too heavy for the stomach.
Jam. Most bread makers have a "Jam" program, or a program that heats and mixes the contents for several hours. Your manual should come with a basic recipe, but there are many available online. This jam goes well with pancakes and, if prepared correctly, it turns out much tastier than store-bought, and it is advisable to use it in less than a month, because it will not contain any preservatives.
Sauces. Sauces can also be easily made in the “Jam” mode. The machine will simply mix the ingredients while heating them. Add all the necessary ingredients to the baking dish and cook for an hour, remembering to keep an eye on the sauce. Since you're not baking bread and there's no yeast fermentation going on, feel free to check the progress of your food. Just be careful when opening the lid as it may get hot.
Rice dishes. You can use your bread maker as a rice cooker: add rice and water to a baking pan, set it to Bake or Bake Only, and cook for about an hour. But what's more interesting is that you can also make rice pudding or even risotto with jam. According to the instructions, the rice should be cooked for three minutes and then drained by adding it to the baking dish with the remaining ingredients.
Scrambled eggs. You can also use the jam setting on your bread machine to cook a few eggs. Mix all the ingredients together ahead of time, adding the milk and any seasoning of your choice—the machine's stirring will not be strong enough to beat the eggs properly. It is also recommended to grease the bread pan with oil to prevent the egg from burning. This method takes longer than cooking on the stove and is recommended for large quantities of eggs. Since the bread machine starts mixing after 15 minutes, if there is a small number of eggs, it will burn it sooner than bring it to the desired state.
Yogurt. Some bread machine manufacturers include a yogurt program. Since yogurt needs to cook for at least five hours, it's unlikely that any other setting on your bread machine will be a suitable alternative. If your device has such a function, then you can enjoy real yogurt, which will be much tastier than store-bought. You can add fruit or jam - and a wonderful dessert is ready.
Now you know that your bread maker can do more than you thought before. Try, experiment and delight your household with new dishes.
What to bake in a bread machine?
More expensive bread machines can make muffins and Easter cakes. For this purpose, they come with an additional round bowl. Some have a program for dietary yeast-free bread. So, if you have health concerns or you care about your figure, this function can be very useful. There are stoves that can cook Borodino bread or coarse bread. And those with a sweet tooth will love the program for sweet pastries with chocolate or honey. Another advantage of bread machines is that diabetics and allergy sufferers can make gluten-free bread from corn, rice and buckwheat flour.
The function of making jam or jam is now very popular. Don’t be surprised, some bread makers can do this too. Moreover, berries and fruits here undergo more gentle heat treatment and retain more vitamins.
Bread makers usually have from 3 to 17 different programs. Decide for yourself which functions you need and which will be superfluous. The price of a home bakery depends on this, which usually ranges from 2 to 7 thousand rubles.
