How to Make the Most of a Breadmaker

Breadmakers are for mixing and baking bread, but they can be used for so much more. Not only a time-saving device, they also help cooks avoid getting their hands sticky in the dough. So crank up your breadmaker and make homemade bread and other delights. Read on to learn how to make the most of a breadmaker.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use your breadmaker to mix and knead the dough for cinnamon rolls, bagels, French bread, croissants, dinner rolls, doughnuts and pizza crust. Some breadmakers have a "Dough Only" setting, but if yours doesn't, just remember to stop the machine after the dough is kneaded.

2. Take the dough out and shape it for whatever recipe you are using, let it rise as called for in your recipe, then bake or deep fry.

3. Mix cookie dough in your breadmaker, spoon it onto cookie sheets and bake cookies in the oven.

4. Make fresh jam in your breadmaker if it has a jam setting.

5. Steam some rice or make Rice Pilaf in your breadmaker following directions included with your breadmaker, but don't wash the rice in the bread pan or you'll ruin the non-stick coating.

6. Prepare meatloaf in some premium breadmakers, including the Zojirushi, following manufacturer instructions.

7. Bake cakes, banana bread, carrot and apple cake by removing the paddle, mixing all ingredients in a mixing bowl, then baking in a breadmaker, first lining the pan with parchment paper. Use the "Bake-Only" function and add an additional 5 minutes to the timer.

Tips & Warnings

• Wipe the inside of your breadmaker pan with a damp cloth and don't immerse it in water, because doing so can make the pan unusable.

• Let baked bread cool for a short time before opening the lid and be careful when you do, because hot steam can still be released. Use an oven mitt to handle the hot pan.

• Remove the lid carefully, when used for making jam or rice, because hot steam will be released.

Resources

• Breadmaker Recipes on Cooking Corner Website
• Tips on Buying and Using a Breadmaker