Bread Maker

I cannot say it enough:

My bread maker is awesome!!!

My husband bought it for me a few years ago and I have been making fresh bread weekly ever since! The one I have is compact; it doesn't take up a lot of counter space. It also has a window at the top so I can peek any time to see what's going on with my bread--without having to disrupt the process by lifting the lid. Some of my favorite features are that it comes with a book full of compatible recipes, there are various sizes to each recipe (smaller and larger loaf), and there is a delay timer!

Compact: I was hesitant to purchase a bread maker because I don't like clutter on my counters and I don't like using contraptions that require a lot of setup (ie. digging it out of the cupboard, setting it up, cleaning a zillion intricate parts, etc.). The compactness of my bread maker allows me to keep it on the counter at all times. The set-up and clean-up are also minimal.

Window: I used the window more often when I first got it because I was constantly curious to know what it was actually doing. I still enjoy taking a peek from time to time, and the window provides me that ability without disrupting the process or letting out the hot air while it's baking.

Compatible Recipes: The maker I have came with a book of recipes and a measuring cup that are compatible to the machine. There are various breads, including all of the classics: french, white, wheat, sourdough... There are also many more breads: onion, herb, apple walnut, honey oat... Towards the back of the recipe book there are instructions for some other great things you can make in the machine: pizza dough, coffee cake, pretzel dough, jams, glazes... 

There are two size variations for most of the recipes: 1.5 or 2 pound loaves. The measuring cup that is included goes perfectly with the recipes, which sometimes call for random amounts of liquid (ex. 5/8 cup water).

Delay Timer: The delay timer is an amazing feature! One of my favorite things in the winter is to set my crock pot and bread maker before going to work. Coming home to fresh bread and soup, stew, or chili never gets tiresome!

Apple Walnut Bread

Whole Wheat Bread with Flax

Some things I use my bread maker for:

1. Sandwiches. Every week I make a fresh loaf of bread for our sandwiches. We bought a package of bread bags to keep our loaves in. We also bought a bread slicer and an electric bread knife to help create perfect slices. It is nice to know what is going into the bread we eat! No preservatives. Just whatever I include, which is usually as simple as whole wheat flour, water, brown sugar, salt, and yeast! It is less expensive, and tastes 10x better than store-bought bread--even from the bakery aisle! It is also extremely easy and takes just a few minutes to prepare: Just measure the ingredients, set the preferences (loaf size and crust color), and press "start"!

Bread bags and twist ties

Bread slicer, knife, maker (in background), and toaster

Add the ingredients, set your preferences, and press "start".

2. Pizza Dough. We have a hard time ordering pizza now that we have the ability to make our own so easily! Again, just measure the ingredients, set the controls to "dough", and press "start"!

Homemade Pizza!

3. Bread to go with dinner. Fresh bread makes any and every meal better! I serve my sloppy joes on fresh bread and my guests practically scrape the pan clean. Are the joes good? Of course. But what makes them great is the fresh bread that I serve with them. This also goes for soups, stews, chili, and any other meal. Fresh bread is magical.

Homemade Soup and Bread

4. Breakfast/Snack/Dessert Breads. Apple Cranberry Walnut Bread , Raisin bread, and other sweet breads are perfect for making toast in the morning or having as a snack/dessert!

Apple Walnut Toast with tea

Apple Cranberry Walnut Bread

5. French Toast. French toast made with fresh bread. I believe this one speaks for itself.

The list goes on, but these are some of the main things that I use my bread maker for.

Which Bread Maker to Choose???

I have the Oster 2 LB EXPRESSBAKE Bread maker. I highly recommend it, but I also recommend looking into whichever type of bread maker best suits you. I like this one because it's simple to use, is compact, and is easy to clean. You might, however, prefer other features or a different appearance, so you might look at what else is out there before making a purchase. Either way, no matter which make or model you go with, I absolutely recommend getting a bread maker! It will revolutionize your meals!