Best 2lb Basic Whitefrench Bread From Breadman Recipes

THE ULTIMATE FRENCH BREAD

Steps:

• Add to bread machine according to owner's manual (my machine does liquids first); program for DOUGH or MANUAL.
• At the end of the cycle, place on lightly floured surface, rolling into a large rectangle; start at the longest end and roll up tightly, pressing seams and tapering each end, tucking under.
• Place loaf on a greased baking sheet or stone; cover and let rise for one hour until doubled.
• Near end of rising time, preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl; brush over loaf generously; snip three diagonal slashes over the top (optional).
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, top will be golden brown.
• VARIATIONS: After rolling dough into a rectangle, (1) sprinkle with grated cheese [cheddar is delicious], or (2) generously brush with melted butter & sprinkle some aromatic herbs, or (3) spoon leftover marinara sauce close to the edges, -- then roll up tightly and pinch edges; continue as described in Step #3.
• VARIATION #2: Mince one small onion (about 1/4 cup) and add to wet ingredients.
• CREATIVE SUGGESTION: Shape into a round loaf instead of the usual long loaf.
• BABY FRENCH BREAD LOAFLETS: Divide dough ball into 12 balls, tapering to make mini-loaves; bake 15-20 minutes--watch carefully!
• FRENCH TWIST: Divide dough into 3 pieces, rolled into 14-16" ropes. Lay them on pan and braid in usual fashion, tuck ends under, stretch out a bit if need be; brush with 2 T. melted butter; cover & rise for about 30 minutes; brush with glaze, bake 20-25 minutes--watch carefully.

(BREAD MACHINE) 2 LB. TRADITIONAL WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• Measure and add liquid ingredients to the baking pan.
• Measure and add oil to baking pan.
• Measure and add dry ingredients (except yeast) to the baking pan.
• Sprinkle the yeast on top of the flour.
• Snap the baking pan into the breadmaker and close the lid.
• Choose the "Basic" setting.
• Choose the "Light" crust color setting.
• Press start.
• Remove the baking pan after about 55 minutes of the baking period.
• Gently shake the bread loaf out of the baking pan onto a cooling rack.
• If necessary, remove the kneading blade from the loaf. Be careful, it is hot!
• Set the loaf upright, cover with a dishtowel and let cool for 20 minutes.

COUNTRY WHITE BREAD FOR 2 LB. MACHINE

Steps:

• 1. Put ingredients in bread machine pan in the order listed. Set the machine for white bread, crust to your preference. Turn it on! In about 3 hours you have a wonderful HUGE loaf of homemade white bread. Perfect texture to use as sandwich bread, too. I love it warm, either from the machine or stick a slice into the microwave, with butter. YUMMY.
• 2. If you haven't been able to quite get it right before, you will with this recipe. A tip is to watch it while it mixes. The dough should wind up barely sticky, it should go around in the pan sticking occasionally. Add flour slowly if it sticks to sides and doesn't go around in the pan. It shouldn't be so dry that it just goes around in circles though.

RAPID BASIC WHITE BREAD (BREAD MACHINE)

Steps:

• Follow directions for your bread machine.
• Instructions for my machine are: Add all ingredients to the baking pan in the order listed. (I mix the water and powdered milk and microwave them on high for 30 seconds before puting in the pan).
• Insert the baking pan into the oven chamber and secure pan.
• Select rapid bake setting and 2-pound loaf.
• Turn on machine.
• When cycle is complete, I put the loaf into a large zip lock bag, seal the bag, and put it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

(BREAD MACHINE) 1 1/2LB. TRADITIONAL WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• Carefully measure 1 cup and 2 tablespoons (9 ounces total) of hot water. Remember, it's a good idea to place the measuring cup at eye level to make sure you have measured exactly.
• Use a cooking thermometer to make sure the temperature of the water is between 115-125 degrees. When water is at the proper temperature, pour into the baking pan.
• Carefully measure and add 2 tablespoons of oil that is at room temperature.
• Carefully measure and add the salt and sugar to the baking pan.
• Measure and add exactly 3 cups of bread flour to the baking pan. Remember to level off the bread flour for an exact measurement.
• Before adding the yeast, use your finger to form a well (hole) in the flour where you will pour the yeast. Yeast must NEVER come into contact with a liquid when you are adding ingredients.
• Measure (again leveling off) 4 1/2 teaspoons of "Red Start Quick Rise" yeast and carefully pour into the well you made in the flour.
• Carefully snap the baking pan into the breadmaker.
• Repeatedly press the "Select" button until the display reads "5:P".
• Press the "Start/Stop" button and your machine will start making bread.
• After teh EXPRESSBAKE setting bread is baked, use pot holders or oven mits to carefully lift the pan by its handle from the breadmaker.
• Turn the pan upside down onto a cooling rack and gently shake it until the bread comes out. If it sticks, take a rubber spatula, (metal can damage the pan's surface), and carefully go around the sides of the loaf until the bread comes out.
• If the kneading blade comes out with the bread, use a plastic utensil to remove it from the loaf. Remember, it will be hot!
• Allow the bread to cool on the rack for 15 minutes before slicing and enjoying it.
• If you wish to make another loaf of bread right away, please allow the breadmaker to cool down for 10-15 minutes with the cover open and the pan removed.