Automatic Bread Makers

Automatic bread makers are the greatest invention since sliced bread. My family and I have a deep appreciation for freshly baked bread. Until recently, we rarely enjoyed this treat because the time and effort required to produce a lovely loaf by hand was simply more than I have to spare. We decided to purchase a bread machine last year, and it immediately became my favorite kitchen appliance. It saves energy, time, and is just so easy! Also notable is the fact that fresh, home-baked bread can be much healthier than store-bought bread. Most of my kitchen helpers have storage places in the cabinets, but the wonderful, hardworking, bread maker will always have a place of honor on the countertop. Basically, all one has to do is add the ingredients to the bread pan, set the controls, and forget about it. The irresistible scent of freshly baking bread will fill the house a few hours later. My husband absolutely loves this. It is aromatherapy for his mood. Living in a hot climate is a big incentive to refrain from using the oven. In addition to the energy required for preheating and baking with the big stove, the temperature in the kitchen rises and the air conditioner works overtime to cool the house down. The bread maker uses a lot less energy and transfers a fraction of the heat. Another very important feature of my bread machine is the ease of cleanup. There is no mixing bowl, no buttered bowl for the dough to rise in, and no clearing off counter space to roll the dough. The machine mixes, kneads, and bakes the bread all in the same pan. Cleanup is reduced to washing the measuring utensils and the bread pan. Since the bread pan is non-stick, it is no trouble to clean at all. The exterior of the machine is simply wiped off with a clean, damp cloth or paper towel. It really could not be easier. Ingredients for a variety of yeast breads are surprisingly simple, and low-fat, low-sugar recipes are readily available. Some of our recipes, like Cinnamon Raisin Bread, came from the booklet that was included with the machine. Another favorite, Buttery Sweet Bread, came from the website of one of the ingredient manufacturers. Butter substitutes with no trans fat seem to work quite well. Egg substitutes or simply using egg whites instead of whole eggs does not detract from the texture or quality. The Food Guide Pyramid recommends 6 – 11 servings per day from the bread, cereal, rice, and pasta group, making it the foundation of healthy food choices. An abundance of whole grain recipes for bread machines can be found on the internet. Bread machines can be used to produce a variety of culinary treats, including pizza dough and cake, but old-fashioned yeast bread is one of the most popular. Thick, flavorful slices served with honey or other toppings always make a great impression on guests, and they never have to know that only minutes of work were required. What an all-around, great invention. In a world filled with complexity, it is wonderful to have a product that simplifies and enriches daily life with such quiet expertise.

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