Kenwood BM250 Recipe Book page 33

Fats and oils
A small amount of fat or oil is often added to bread to give a softer crumb. It also helps to extend the
freshness of the loaf. Use butter, margarine or even lard in small quantities up to 25g or 22ml (1½ tbsp)
vegetable oil. Where a recipe uses larger amounts so the flavour is more noticeable, butter will provide
the best result.
• Olive oil or sunflower oil can be used instead of butter, adjust the liquid content for amounts
over 15ml (3 tsp) accordingly. Sunflower oil is a good alternative if you are concerned about the
cholesterol level.
• Do not use low fat spreads as they contain 40% water so do not have the same properties as butter.
Liquid
Some form of liquid is essential; usually water or milk is used. Water produces a crisper crust than milk.
Water is often combined with skimmed milk powder. This is essential if using the same time delay as
fresh milk will deteriorate. For most programs water straight from the tap is fine, however on the rapid
one-hour cycle it needs to be lukewarm.
• On very cold days measure the water and leave to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before
use. If using milk straight from the fridge do likewise.
• Buttermilk, yoghurt, soured cream and soft cheeses such as ricotta, cottage and fromage frais can
all be used as part of the liquid content to produce a more moist, tender crumb. Buttermilk adds a
pleasant, slightly sour note, not unlike that found in the country style breads and sour doughs.
• Eggs may be added to enrich the dough, improve the colour of the bread and help add structure and
stability to the gluten during rising. If using eggs reduce the liquid content accordingly. Place the
egg in a measuring cup and top with liquid to the correct level for the recipe.
yeast
Yeast is available both fresh and dried. All the recipes in this book have been tested using easy blend, fast
action dried yeast which does not require dissolving in water first. It is placed in a well in the flour where
it is kept dry and separate from the liquid until mixing commences.
For best results use dried yeast. The use of fresh yeast is not recommended as it tends to give more
variable results than dried yeast. Do not use fresh yeast with the delay timer. If you wish to use fresh
yeast note the following:
6g fresh yeast = 1tsp dried yeast
Mix the fresh yeast with 1tsp sugar and 2tbsp of the water (warm). Leave for 5 mins until frothy. Then
add to the rest of the ingredients in the pan. To get the best results the yeast quantity may need to be
adjusted.
Use the amounts stated in the recipes; too much could cause the bread to over-rise and spill over the top
of the bread pan.
Once a sachet of yeast is opened, it should be used within 48 hours, unless stated otherwise by the
manufacturer. Re-seal after use. Resealed opened sachets can be stored in the freezer until required.
Use dried yeast before its use by date, as the potencial gradually deteriorates with time.
You may find dried yeast, which has been manufactured especially for use in bread machines. This will
also produce good results, though you may need to adjust the quantities recommended.
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