Oster Bread Maker - Manual (Page 28)

depending on the area of the country in which you live.
We recommend using fresh bread flour.
• Yeast. Fresh yeast is probably the most important
ingredient in baking bread. If the yeast is not fresh, your
bread may not rise. It is better to buy new yeast than to
take a chance on yeast that has been stored for a long
time.
You can test the freshness of your yeast. Simply fill a cup
with warm water, then add and stir in 2 teaspoons of sugar.
Sprinkle a few teaspoons of yeast on the surface of the
water and wait. After 15 minutes, the yeast should foam and
there should be distinct odor. If neither reaction happens,
the yeast is old and should be thrown away.
Add Ingredients in Order
Read all recipes from top to bottom, and remember:
—FIRST, liquid ingredients
—SECOND, dry ingredients
—LAST, yeast
Check the Doughball
This is a secret well known by people who make bread the old
fashioned way. While hand kneading the mixture, they adjust
the consistency of the dough by adding a little flour or a little
water until the doughball is just right.
Although the breadmaker kneads the dough for you, this
secret is still true. Here’s what you should do.
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