The joy of breadmaking
A few weeks ago, my housemates and I decided to
invest in a shiny new breadmaker. It only cost forty quid between the three of
us (and that was the luxury model -- the box-like appearance of the
ten-pound-cheaper version offended Matteo's Italian design sensibilities) so we
all decided to chip in and buy one between us. Since then we've managed to make
all kinds of white and brown breads, sunflower bread, parmesan and onion bread,
raisin bread... the list is endless!
I can't begin to tell you what a wonderful
invention this machine is. If you don't own one already, rush out and buy one
immediately! OK, perhaps it's not the most economical way of purchasing bread as
you end up shelling out almost as much for the flour, yeast and other
ingredients as you would to buy ready made loaves, and 40 quid can buy a lot of
them, but there is great satisfaction to be had from loading up the machine with
ingredients, pressing the button and then three hours later tucking into a loaf
of warm, freshly baked bread that you've 'made' yourself. Not to mention the
delicious smell that wafts through the house while it's baking first thing in
the morning (yes, it's got a timer so you can set it to start mixing ready for
the morning toast!).
Apart from the
obvious practical advantages, you just have admire the sheer engineering genius
that's gone into the design of this thing. A simple metal tin with a funny
wedge-shaped mixing blade inside a box that heats up is enough to turn a pile of
innocent looking ingredients into a magnificent crusty loaf. It starts by mixing
the ingredients slowly to form a dough. Then the dough is 'kneaded' to
incorporate lots of air just by virtue of the tiny mixing blade turning round at
just the right speed to rotate the dough ball around the tin so that it picks up
any remnants of flour still sticking to the sides whilst folding it gently to
achieve the right consistency. Then the dough is left to rest while being
slightly warmed for the required length of time to allow the yeast to act before
some more kneading and the final baking. It even beeps to tell you when to add
extra ingredients like nuts, raisins or olives if you want, and then at the end
keeps the bread warm for an extra half hour just in case you're not quite ready
to eat it!
I really could go on and on
about this marvellous invention (in fact, I already have). Believe it or not,
Matteo is even more taken with it than I am and has on occasion been seen
stroking the breadmaker saying 'come on, baby'. I think he's in love! Anyway,
enough waffle. I'm off to make another loaf of delicious sun-dried tomato bread.
The last one disappeared in a day as it was just so damn
tasty!
Posted on Friday - December 10, 2004 at 10:58 AM
