Cream cheese on sour cream bread: as unhealthy and delicious as you'd expect

I've made two of these loaves now and both times forgot to take a picture of the whole thing before we started chowing down.  The first one was for my mom and reports were that it was delicious for toast and with chili and even plain.  The second one we kept at home and slathered with cream cheese.  The chives add a strong flavor but it's definitely not overpowering.  I even rounded up and used whatever remaining chives that I had, well over the 1/4 cup it called for.  The sour cream and milk seem to make this a pretty dense loaf; it did not rise hugely.  But that was really perfect for spreading on something thick or dipping.  The dough seemed pretty wet in the bread maker but since it wasn't sticking to the side of the pan, I did not add more flour and I think that was the right decision.  Toddler Girl did not seem to notice the onion-y flavor and I think she liked the chewy white-ness.  I think this would be a great to bring to someone's house or for a special dinner.

• Recipe: Sour Cream Chive Bread (Bread Machine) from food.com
• Mistakes: None
• Changes: Added extra chives, maybe a 1/2 cup total
• Rating: 10/10 Purple Chive Flowers
• Next time: Add half whole wheat flour and try on Whole Wheat setting
• Questions: Would adding more water make this less dense?  More yeast?

Crunchy-granola type bakes a batch

I was feeling a little overloaded by all the bread I had been eating, so I decided to do something a little different.

I love granola, and I love Alton Brown.  I made loads of changes to this recipe and cooked two batches in different ways. I basically just used his recipe as a framework. Here's a breakdown:

Instead of 3 cups rolled oats, I used 1-1/2 cups quick oats, 1 cup sesame seeds, and 1 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup slivered almonds (didn't change that one)

Instead of 1 cup cashews, I used 1 cup pecans

Instead of 3/4 cup shredded sweet coconut, I skipped it

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar (didn't change that either)

Instead of 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup, I used 1/4 cup syrup, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instead of 1/4 cup vegetable oil I used 1/4 cup peanut oil

Instead of 3/4 teaspoon salt, I used 1 teaspoon salt

Instead of 1 cup raisins, I used 1/2 cup raisins and 1/2 cup dried cherries, but only added them to half ot he batch.

On one baking sheet, I stirred often and only cooked it for about 45 minutes.  That ended up with a chewier granola that had smaller pieces.  I added the dried fruit to this batch and Toddler Girl loves it!  On the other baking sheet, I didn't touch it for 45 minutes and kicked up the heat to 300 degrees for the last 10 minutes.  I poked at it a bit before those last 10 minutes just to make sure it wasn't burning.  It didn't burn but boy, it came close!  I'm so happy with this granola.  The chewy "kid" batch tasted really sweet but the crunchy "adult" version is almost caramelized.  The only thing I would do different is to add a bit more oil to hopefully keep it in bigger chunks for the adult version, and a teeny bit less sweet.

Chewy slices of pumpernickel serve as perfect platform for sandwiches

Coffee and cocoa powder in a carbohydrate? Yes, please! It was not difficult to choose my next recipe once I found Betty Crocker's version of pumpernickel for the bread machine.  I was surprised that the dough smelled so bad and it really only improved to that rich, sour-ish scent I expect from pumpernickel toward the very end of baking.  Although some of the ingredient amounts were kind of particular (1 cup plus 1 tablespoon rye flour), this loaf came together without any problems.  After a bit of snacking, we made tuna sandwiches with melted cheddar.  I liked it but wasn't bowled over; hubby really liked it.  Toddler Girl was ambivalent.  Besides, she usually refuses 98% of what is put in front of her at dinner time.  Unless it's raisins.  We are looking forward to defrosting the rest of the loaf when it's time for another easy-sandwich-dinner night.

• Recipe: Bread Machine Pumpernickel Bread from Betty Crocker
• Mistakes: None
• Changes: None
• Rating: 4/5 Cups of Instant Coffee
• Next time: Try on dough setting and bake it in the oven
• Questions: Does pumpernickel always smell that bad to start?  Do regular pumpernickel recipes call for instant coffee and/or cocoa?

First foray into oven baking

Beauty and the Beast; or Why You Make Sure the Seam is Down

When I first got the bread machine, I was surprised that there were no recipes for Italian bread that didn't involve the oven instead of finishing in the bread machine.  My Italian and talented baker mother-in-law confirmed that you can't get the perfect Italian bread crust from the bread machine.   I really wanted some because we love the Italian Whole Grain loaf we usually get at Jewel.  So when I found a whole wheat recipe that seemed simple enough, I decided to give it a go.

I'm so glad I did and can't wait to try this one again.  I was not carefully enough about laying the bread down on top of the seam so one loaf cooked a little cock-eyed.  Nevertheless, it is exactly what we wanted!  Even better than the store-bought loaf.  Cutting off a slice for Toddler Girl to snack is so easy and keeps her calm when I'm trying to finish making dinner.

The recipe contributor suggested spraying the loaves and the inside of the oven 5 and 10 minutes into baking.  I didn't have a spray bottle but did brush them with water before putting them in.  I wonder if that would have make my crust even crustier?  I could have baked them longer, too, but my kitchen was filling with smoke.  Apparently when I made pizza last week, some cheese dripped onto the bottom.  On the agenda for the weekend: Clean the Oven!

• Recipe: Crusty Whole Wheat Italian Bread from food.com
• Mistakes: Poor placement of bread onto baking sheet (seam side down)
• Changes: Nil
• Rating: 3/3 Crunchy Buttery Bites
• Next time: Make on big loaf instead of two smaller, bake longer
• Questions: What does spraying with water do? Why did some of the cornmeal on my pan burn?

Surprise ending devastates entire family

After my last loaf bread was full of health and fiber, I had a hankering for something sweeter.  While I intend to mostly bake basic whole wheat breads to have around the house, I wanted to get some practice with other types, too.  You know, for science.  I also wanted to try out some of the other settings on my Sunbeam bread maker.  In flipping through their manual, I found an ExpressBake loaf that would satisfy my sweet tooth.  Knowing I had both oatmeal and dates in the pantry (Toddler Girl loves dried fruit!), I had to try this Oatmeal Date bread.  After I learned first hand that the Sunbeam recipes call for way too much yeast, I used a lot less without too much hesitation.  My very first loaf of bread called for the same amount of flour and one packet (2-1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast so I used that as my guide.  For some reason (maybe because of the oatmeal?), it specified fast-rising or bread machine yeast, so I did use that.

This recipe was about as good as bread can get.  It could easily be served for dessert with honey butter or even just plain.  The best part is that there is no sugar added, but the dates add plenty of sweetness. Toddler Girl had no problem stuffing this one down, especially after I drizzled smushed-up blueberries on top.

Here's where this story takes a turn.  I have a dog with a sweet tooth that's even worse than mine.  The bread was wrapped in foil, toward the back of the counter.  After leaving for an errand in the afternoon, I came home to foil on the floor in the kitchen and a Very Guilty Dog under the dining table.  He. Ate. Almost. A. Whole. Pound. Of. Bread.  My very delicious Oatmeal Date bread that I was so excited to share with my husband when he came home.  Fury! Outrage! Yelling!  Even more fury when I found him slinking around with another hunk of bread that he had hidden behind the couch.  And another next to the desk.  And ANOTHER next to the bar.  I almost un-adopted him.  But how could I blame him?  The bread was really, really good.

What's really sad is that this story has an almost-funny addition.  I decided to make another loaf before hubby made it home and Toddler Girl was even patient enough to play in the sink while I hurried to get it done.  Hurried so much I started the bread machine without attaching the kneading blade.  More Fury!  I carefully scooped out the yeast, then the not-so-dry flour & oatmeal, and stuck it in.  Then dumped everything sort of carefully back in.  The 2nd loaf was not nearly as good, of course.

• Recipe: ExpressBake® 2-lb. Setting Recipe from Sunbeam's manual on page 34
• Mistakes: None
• Changes: Used 2-1/4 teaspoons of yeast instead of 2 tablespoons
• Rating: 5/5 Juicy Blueberries
• Next time: Keep it in the pantry, not on the counter

Rest In Peace, Oatmeal Date Bread from/in Heaven

Breadmaker besotted with healthy whole grain bread

I'm going to try to stay professional here and not babble too much.  This is my new favorite bread, ever.  It will become a permanent part of our household bread rotation.  The sunflower seeds gave it such a nutty flavor and there is fiber a-plenty.  It smelled like heaven while it was baking.  It was still fluffy, even with all the whole grain.  Amazing!!  Even Toddler Girl enjoyed it!

• Recipe: Flax and Sunflower Seed Bread from allrecipes
• Mistakes: The sunflower seeds I used were salted and slightly stale - all I had!
• Changes: Topped off the 1/2 cup of flax seeds with flax meal (about 1-1/2 tablespoons)
• Rating: 48/48 Grams of Whole Grains (that's not the actual content in this bread!)
• Next time: Will use fresh, unsalted sunflower seeds! Otherwise I LOVED this recipe as-is.

Novice breadmaker's idiocy astounds family members

Sometimes when things are going really well, you get a little cocky and think you know what's what.  Well, I know nothing!  I wanted to try a zucchini quick bread in the bread machine because I make it all the time for Toddler Girl, to sneak in some vegetables.  I had some trouble finding a recipe that was just like I wanted: without chocolate chips and with whole wheat but designed for the bread machine.  I should have realized my cheese had moved and chosen another recipe.  But like a silly beginner bread maker, I decided to just try to make my usual recipe in the bread machine.  It calls for two loaves, which should have been a big red flag for me.  Now I know: do not use recipes in the bread machine that are not designed for the bread machine.  Or at least know what you're doing before you "just try" something.  The inside was barely cooked (not safe with eggs) but the outside did taste as it usually does.  One unexpected surprise:  After I cut off the cooked parts, I layed the uncooked pieces in the toaster oven to bake again...they ended up like delicious crispy zucchini cookies.  I might try that with the batter in the oven some time!

• Recipe: Mom's Zucchini Bread from allrecipes
• Mistakes: My choice in recipe - although it's a delicious recipe when baked in loaf pans in the oven
• Changes: Use all whole wheat flour although it doesn't really matter anyway
• Rating: 0/2 Unused Loaf Pans
• Next time: Whole Wheat Zucchini Herb Bread from food.com

Round two for raisin bread is a win

After my first loaf of raisin bread was a success, I was excited to bring one for my Dear Mother's birthday.  I used the same recipe as last time and even remembered to soak the raisins for half an hour or so.  I also actually added them at the "add-in" beep and I think they were slightly less smashed, as far as I could tell from the outside.  This time I skipped the whole wheat flour and used all white flour as called for.  Using a medium crust only seemed to make the bottom half darker instead of the crispy top I was looking for.  Not the most beautiful look but I've definitely seen uglier loaves.  Unfortunately, I never heard if the bread was edible (I forgot to ask) but no news of food poison, either!.  Happy Birthday!

• Recipe: Cinnamon Raisin Bread for the Bread Machine on food.com
• Mistakes: Leaving the bread in the car on a freezing night before presenting it as a gift :S
• Changes: Butter for margarine, an extra teaspoon of cinnamon
• Rating: Will Advise ASAP
• Next time: One of the reviews suggested Brown sugar, mmmm...

Bread-maker breaks out of the bread box

Sometimes, I make other stuff, too.  And make enough of a mess that I have to pull out the burners & drip pans to clean.

French bread for the masses

Thus far my bread has only been made for immediate family other than the Rosemary bread, which was for a small group. Last night, a crowd of 8 family members, plus Toddler Girl, were subject to my novice breadmaking skills. I would have loved to bring Italian bread to compliment my mother-in-law's amazing cooking but I'm too nervous to make the transition to the oven for that crunchy crust. So I tried the Sunbeam manual's French bread setting. After the last rise & collapse due to Sunbeam's recipe, plus a helpful review on Amazon, I used almost half as much yeast.

Well, no one fell over in their chair at the freshness or flavor of this bread. but no once really batted an eye, either. The bread usually served is thick-sliced and bakery-fresh so my loaf was oddly shaped by comparison, but no one complained or commented so I'm going to call it a success. Soft white bread? Toddler Girl was sold!  We wont rush into making this one for home use since I prefer the health whole wheat, but I would be proud to bring this to the family dinner.

• Recipe: French Setting Recipe from Sunbeam's manual on page 31
• Mistakes: Not-a-one!
• Changes: Used 2-1/2 teaspoons of yeast instead of 4 teaspoons (!)
• Rating: 7/8 Crunching Munchers
• Next time: Maybe an extra quarter teaspoon of yeast

Branching out yields sweet results

For the first time I voluntarily made changes to a recipe I found online. Granted, the changes were based on reviews by other people, but I was excited (and anxious) to get out of my comfort zone a bit.  One thing that had me a little nervous was the raisins.  The recipe said to wait until the "add in" beep, but some reviews also said it helped to soak the raisins before adding them.  I figured just adding them with the other ingredients would strike a balance.  The taste is great but the raisins were definitely cooked & mushed to near oblivion, so I'll wait to add them in next time.

When she heard I had a new bread machine, the first thing my mother asked was if I could make raisin bread. Sure, why not? When we see her this weekend, I hope to surprise her with a fresh loaf of her own.  This one is the test loaf.  You know, for science.  I'm not sure if the stretch marks are because the loaf had a baby or maybe there's another reason but teh interwebs didn't help me this time.  Any veteran bread makers have an idea?

Most importantly, the darling Toddler Girl loved it.  Smeared with honey butter, it was a sweet dessert after a messy, trying dinner.  The bread is fresh and light but the whole wheat makes is slightly dense. I bet with all white flour, it would be rather indulgent.  We'll definitely keep this around for dessert or Sunday morning toast.

• Recipe: Cinnamon Raisin Bread for the Bread Machine on food.com
• Mistakes: Nothing unintentional
• Changes: Butter instead of margarine (who uses margarine, seriously?), an extra teaspoon of cinnamon, and substituted one of the cups of white flour with whole wheat flour
• Rating: 2/2 Delighted, Kicking Toddler Legs
• Next time: Add raisins later, maybe a medium crust, more whole wheat flour if for our use

High hopes for Rye Bread that falls flat

What a depressed looking rye.  Toddler Girl's quip: "Mama, the bread is sad from the breadmaker".  Yeah, it doesn't look too happy.  Today, I learned that there's a big difference between the jar of Bread Machine Yeast and those little packets of Active Dry Yeast.  eHow explained why you can't use Bread Machine Yeast when it calls for ADY:

Active dry yeast takes twice as long to rise as bread machine yeast. Traditional yeast needs two risings compared with only one with bread machine yeast. Bread machine yeast is more finely ground so it absorbs moisture faster. The sugars convert sooner to carbon dioxide and make the dough rise.

Read more: Bread Machine Yeast Vs. Active Dry Yeast | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5501256_bread-vs-active-dry-yeast.html#ixzz2Izfrxdsg

Basically, my bread rose too fast and then collapsed instead of rising slow & steady with ADY. But, it's still fresh as heck and I'm feeling sort of healthy eating it.  Even though I spread cinammon honey butter on it. But then Toddler Girl will eat it, too.

• Recipe: Swedish Rye Bread from the Breadmachine by Bob's Red Mill
• Mistakes: Used Bread Machine Yeast
• Rating: 8/10 Caraway Seeds
• Next time: Use Active Dry Yeast, maybe more orange zest?

Picky toddler eats veggies by the handful

Ha ha, not really. No surprise that Toddler Girl eats raisins, grapes, cheese and not much else. Yes, I know raisins and grapes are the same thing. Carbohydrates are something she will consume if the texture is soft and the flavor is sweet, so carrot muffins and zucchini bread are in the regular rotation. With this veggie bread, I'm hoping to sneak in some variety.  We served tuna salad on thick slices with Munster cheese and lettuce. Gourmet, kinda. Those over 2 years old loved it.

• Recipe: Garden Vegetable Bread from tasteofhome
• Mistakes: Almost forgot the oil!  While I was cleaning up, halfway through the 1st kneading cycle, I picked up the oil and realized I hadn't added any.
• Rating: 2/3 Teeny Tiny Toddler bites
• Next time: whole wheat flour and some new vegetables.

Ugly bread defies expectations: still freakin' delicious

Deflated, wrinkly bread was actually very good. Texture was just like soft store bought stuff but without the dreaded HFCS.  I used the whole wheat recipe that came in the manual.  Toddler Girl ate some but without enthusiasm, even when we spread some taramosalata in it. Which one of us is crazy?

Google Answers referenced a broken allrecipes link that explained "Too much yeast made the bread rise so high that it hit the top [of the bread machine]. This prevented the hot air from circulating over the bread." So deflating the bread (like a frantic bongo player) might have been the only way to save it, although it may have collapsed on it's own, anyway. At least it didn't spill over onto the heating element.  Google also quoted a chef on some forum in saying that "2 1/4 teaspoons will leaven 6 to 8 cups of flour" so I think the 3 teaspoons for 4 1/2 cups of flour could be a little excessive.  I'll try this recipe again with less yeast.

• Recipe: Sunbeam's manual on page 32
• Mistakes: Followed directions / too much yeast
• Rating: 5/6 Breadmaking Heartaches
• Next time: 2 teaspoons of yeast instead of 3

Too much yeast makes homer something something

Is this too much? I think this is too much!  First 2lb recipe called for 3 teaspoons of yeast...maybe less, next time?  I panicked and poked it a little.  Now it looks like an old man.

Will report results after baking. 

1/21/13: It's here: Update on the Wrinkly Bread.

Rosemary bread pleases majority for a lamb chop dinner

I made this to serve the in-laws when they came for dinner.  The recipe calls for Italian seasoning, I just used a couple shakes of oregano, basil & thyme. Toddler Girl wasn't enthusiastic about this one but the adults who also enjoyed rack of lamb, garlic sauteed spinach and feta raisin couscous salad  liked the herb-y flavor.  The few remaining slices are destined to be leftover-lamb sandwiches tomorrow afternoon.

• Recipe: Jo's Rosemary Bread from tasteofhome
• Mistakes: Sliced it for dinner, realized dinner wasn't ready, wrapped it in foil and put it in the oven, pulled it out for dinner, realized dinner still wasn't ready, mauled it a bit, put it back in the oven...
• Rating: 5/5 for the Senior Discount
• Next time: whole wheat flour

Getting feet wet with basic white bread

First recipe made and then promptly devoured was a basic white bread.  It was a perfect beginner loaf and thankfully, the year old packets of Active Dry yeast worked.  This bread lasted less than 48 hours before being nibbled & snacked away. Thick, chewy, airy, soft.

• Recipe: White Bread For The Bread Machine from allrecipes
• Mistakes: None, yay!
• Rating: 10/10 would eat again
• Next time: Might make a sweeter version of this for dessert but otherwise it's not healthy enough to make again

Used but never-used bread machine thrills toddler (and mom)

Found an ad on Craigslist for a $20 Sunbeam bread maker - never used and it looked spotless.  Brought it home and immediately started our first loaf.  Both Toddler Girl and Beginner-Breadmaking Mama were captivated.