Bring Back the Bread Machines

It has been almost 1 month since I reclaimed a bread machine from in-laws’ attic. I am proud to say that I am still using it. AND since getting it, I have only purchased 1 (maybe 2) loaves of bread. That’s a lot of money NOT spent. When I first got it I was able to look up the model number online and there were even instructions from the mid-nineties that someone had posted. A few weeks ago, I graduated from letting the bread machine do the entire loaf to just using it for the kneading and rising of the dough. The bread recipe that has been working well is an Italian bread recipe that I can shape into a cute little loaf, cut a little design into and wash with egg. The loaves look pretty and that is fun for me. The bad part—this gluten-free girl has been sampling a bit. Now my stomach hurts.

Italian Bread Using a Bread Machine
featured on allrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 1/3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal

Directions

1. Place flour, brown sugar, warm water, salt, olive oil and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.
2. Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Form dough into two loaves. Place the loaves seam side down on a cutting board generously sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise, until doubled in volume about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
3. In a small bowl, beat together egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush the risen loaves with egg mixture. Make a single long, quick cut down the center of the loaves with a sharp knife. Gently shake the cutting board to make sure that the loaves are not sticking. If they stick, use a spatula or pastry knife to loosen. Slide the loaves onto a baking sheet with one quick but careful motion.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.

This week will feature me learning how to index a reference book and a highly competitive Scrabble tournament with Adam.