World's Best Bread Machine Recipe

Maybe not the World's Best, but pretty dang good if I do say so myself!

A while ago, I read that a bread machine can and should be considered an "Emergency Prep" tool.  I hadn't ever really thought about it before, but it makes sense.  Sure, you won't be able to use it if there is no power, but for most situations, you will have power.  Don't get me wrong...I believe it is very important to know how to make bread and bake it without a traditional oven, but for most situations, you will have some way of powering a bread machine.  If you don't have grid power, you have other problems, and bread probably isn't at the top of the list.  For those situations, I would recommend getting a Sun Oven.  I really like the Sun Oven from Shelf Reliance.  I don't have one yet, but My Shelf Reliance Consultant has one and absolutely loves it.  She has written quite a few articles on cooking with a Sun Oven.  Check it out. I hope to get one in the spring.

But...Back to the Bread Machine.  We tried to use a Bread Machine years ago and had a few horrible experiences.  We just assumed that all Bread Machines were bad.  Turns out, we just picked a bad recipe.  We actually got rid of that machine back in the day, so we had to search for a new one.  I hit one of my favorite Deals Sites...and found that there was a Rosewill Bread Machine (I had never heard of the brand before) on sale for about $60.  It had awesome reviews, so I decided to give it a shot.

After a lot of trial and error, I think we've come up with a pretty great recipe. We started with a recipe that was in an old church cook book, combined a couple of things we liked from other recipes, and came up with the recipe below.  

Bake this 2lb loaf of bread and then add some of that awesome Jam you made this fall, and you've got a winner!

Bread-2 lb. loaf

1-2/3 C. Water

2 T. butter, softened

1/3 C. packed brown sugar

2 tsp. salt

4-2/3 C. whole wheat flour (we prefer white flour)

1/3 C. potato flakes

1 T. gluten

1tsp. yeast 

Note 1:  We prefer white flour and use it more than whole wheat.   A lot of people store wheat, so when the stuff hits the fan, they plan to grind wheat for flour. If you are not already using whole wheat flour, It would probably be best to ease into it...Maybe go half white flour and half wheat flour to start.  Believe me, you don't want to go from white flour to whole-wheat flour directly.  Your body won't be happy with you.  

Note 2: This recipe includes Potato Flakes.  Try it!  You won't be disappointed.  The flakes add an amazing fluffiness and texture to the bread.

Note 3: We like to create our own bread mixes.  Mix all dry ingredients (minus the yeast), put them in a gallon bag and store in the fridge until you are ready to use.  We create 3-4 bags so it is really quick and easy to get a loaf of bread in the oven. :)

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