The Vital Ingredients
16
Bread Improver has been used in some of the
bread recipes listed in the Easy Bake recipe
section of this book. A simple bread improver is a
crushed unflavoured 250mg Vitamin C tablet
added to the dry ingredients.
Sugar
Sugar provides sweetness and flavour, browns
the crust and produces food for the yeast. White
sugar, brown sugar, honey and golden syrup are
all suitable to use. When using honey or golden
syrup it must be counted as additional liquid. We
have successfully tested SPLENDA as a sugar
substitute.
Powdered milk
Milk and milk products enhance the flavour and
increase the nutritional value. Powdered milk is
convenient and easy to use (store in an airtight
container in the refrigerator). Fresh milk should
not be substituted for powdered milk unless
stated in the recipe. Low fat or skim milk powder
can be used with good results. Soy milk powder
can also be used but produces a denser loaf.
Salt
Salt is an important ingredient in bread making.
However, salt inhibits the rising of the bread, so
be careful when measuring, it should be accurate.
Fat
Fat adds flavour and retains the moisture. Butter,
margarine or vegetable oil, such as safflower,
sunflower, canola, etc can be used.
Yeast
Without yeast the bread will not rise. Yeast needs
liquid, sugar and warmth to grow and rise. Dried
yeast has been used in the recipes in this
instruction book where appropriate. Before using
dried yeast always check the use by date, as
stale yeast will prevent the bread from rising.
‘Tandaco’ brand yeast, (available nationally in
most supermarkets) was used in the development
of all recipes contained in this book with the
exception of the Bread Mix recipes. Smaller
packets of bread mix usually contain sachets of
yeast. Larger bulk bags of bread mix usually do
not include the yeast sachets, however the
corresponding brand of yeast may be purchased
separately.
Some bulk and imported yeast is more active,
therefore it is recommended to use less of these
yeasts. Yeast may also be more active in hot
weather. For information on other brands of yeast
relating to quantities contact the manufacturer
listed on the package.
Rapid Rise Yeasts
These products are a mixture of yeast and bread
improver. Brands will vary in strength.
If wishing to substitute for yeast in a recipe, omit
the bread improver.
Rapid Rise yeasts should not be used with Bread
Mix as bread improver is already included.
Water
Tap water is used in all recipes. If using water in
cold climates or from the refrigerator, allow water
to come to room temperature. Extremes of hot or
cold water will prevent the yeast activating.
Eggs
Eggs are used in some bread recipes and provide
liquid, help with the raising and increase the
nutritional value of the bread. They give flavour
and tenderness and are usually used in the
sweeter type of breads.
Adding a bread improver will help
strengthen the framework of the bread
resulting in a loaf that is lighter in texture,
higher in volume, more stable and with
enhanced keeping qualities.
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NOTE!
NEW ZEALAND ONLY
Sugar can be reduced for more improved
results.
NEW ZEALAND ONLY
Salt can be reduced for more improved
results.
NEW ZEALAND ONLY
We recommend the use of ‘Elfin’ brand
yeast.
NEW ZEALAND ONLY
Edmonds Surebake Yeast is the most
readily available yeast product in New
Zealand. Where a recipe states ‘Bread
Improver and Tandaco Yeast’ substitute
with 3 teaspoons Edmonds Surebake Yeast
