I have 5 bread machines, including a double machine which mixes/bakes 2
loaves at a time. 2 are Zojirushi, one is a West Bend, one is an Oster,
the double one is an American Harvest, - I guess I have 6 machines, I
forgot I also have a Welbilt Convection bread machine which someone gave
me for Christmas last year (Coals to Newcastle) and which I have never even
removed from the box.
Zojirushi is my favorite of all time since I paid an astromical amount for
the first one when it first came on the market several years ago. I use
them to develop new recipes - combinations of herbs, spices, fruits, nuts,
grains, whatever. Because the way they process the mixture is exactly the
same every time, I can estimate what changes I have to make in amounts of
liquid to use,
etc. etc.
I also have a DLX mixer, a KitchenAid K5-A+ Heavy Duty 325 watt. I have an
ancient Meridian grain mill with both steel burrs and stones - Hand cranked
- makes great corn meal. I also have a VitaMix machine, which is like a
giant blender, but will grind grain of any kind to any texture from cracked
to flour. It is also great for making fruit purees to use in place of eggs and
shortening in bread.
Once I have developed a recipe that is what I want, I can then become more
creative with it and experiment with shapes, sizes, different baking
techniques, etc.
Bread machines are ideal for people like me who like to bake but for one
reason or another cannot do all the "hands-on" kneading and etc. which are
indeed satisfying, but if one has arthritic hands, elbows, shoulders, one
simply cannot do. My problem is that by profession I am an engraver - my
hands are my work - if I injure one of my hands (as I have in the past)
burns, sprains, cuts, my livelihood suffers.
Bread fresh from the oven, or from the bread machine, is wonderful,
satisfying and comforting. To some the journey is more important than the
destination, to others the journey is simply the way to reach the
destination. Both philosophies are worthy. So are both methods of
bread-making.
--
Andie Paysinger & the PENDRAGON Basenjis,Teafer,Cheesy,Singer & Player
asenji@earthlink.net So. Calif. USA "In the face of adversity, be
patient, in the face of a basenji, be prudent, be canny, be on your
guard!"
http://home.earthlink.net/~asenji/