11
Last Things Last
You'll see this tip in several places in this book, but it bears repeating:
Always put the liquids in first, the dry ingredients in next, and the
yeast last (fruits and nuts are added later, after the machine has
completed the first knead). Dig a shallow hole in the dry ingredients
and place the yeast in the hole so that there's absolutely no contact between the
liquids and the yeast. This is especially important when you're using the Delay Bake
option. You don’t want the yeast to be activated too soon in the process!
Placement Counts!
Place dried fruits, vegetables, and dried spices away from the liquid ingredients in
the bread pan. If they soak up water, they can undermine the bread’s chemistry.
Freshness First
Avoid using perishable ingredients — milk, yogurt, eggs, or cheese — with the
Delay Bake function.
Just Wait Fifteen
For best results, wait fifteen minutes before slicing; the bread needs time to cool.
Deep Freeze
To freeze fresh bread, let it cool completely and double-bag in plastic.
Baking Guide