WooHoo - Bread machine and Dehydrator

**dwnloom** · 09-24-2009, 03:59 PM

Hey Guys, I have some good news. I have a brand new Bread machine and food dehydrator. Now, I need help! I dont know how to use either one of these. Can some one please help me. I know there are alot of people that have these - so any help is greatly appreciated.

Dawn

**savvy_sniper** · 09-24-2009, 05:04 PM

Go to this site - http://www.dehydrate2store.com/. Lots of videos and recipes for dehydrating.

Look in the recipe section of this forum for bread recipes. Also google it.

If you don't have manuals for either one, google those also. You can generally find downloadable manuals for free.

Good Luck!

**Grainlady** · 09-25-2009, 07:59 AM

For your bread machine I'd suggest trying the recipes that come in the user's manual FIRST because they are designed for your particular machine and tend to be successful for the beginner - then venture out.

Second, get the book (check your library for a copy) Bread Machines for Dummies by Glenna Vance and Tom Lacalamita. This book has great recipes, but the general introduction to bread making and the instructions in the book are excellent. It will teach you about the different flours you use, the difference in yeast products, ingredients used in breads and how they work, working with dough..... I've never had a failed loaf of bread from this book and I give a copy of it to everyone who takes Bread Machine classes from me.

I never bake in my bread machine, but use it for making dough. I've converted all my old favorite recipes to the bread machine. When I make a 2-pound recipe I can make a couple things out of the dough, not just one jumbo-sized loaf. We typically use a 1-pound loaf of bread per week, so that leaves enough dough to make some hot dog buns, hamburger buns, cinnamon or pecan rolls, dinner rolls.... I like options.

When you bake outside the bread machine, you should scale (weigh the dough on a kitchen scale) so you use the correct size pan for baking the bread.

Jumbo loaf - 10x4-1/2-inch - 4-5 c. flour in recipe - 2-pounds + of dough
Quick Bread - 9x5-inch - 4 c. flour - 2-pounds
Standard - 8-1/2x4-1/2" - 3 c. flour - 1.5-pounds
Medium - 7-1/2x3-1/2" - 2-1/2 c. flour - 1-pound
Small - 5-3/4x3-3/4" - 1-1/2 c. flour - 8-ounces

PM me if you have any problems. I'd be happy to help you out.

When it comes to the dehydrator, here's a great web site with lots of information and recipes:

National Center for Home Food Preservation
http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/dry.html

I also suggest the book, Making & Using Dried Foods by Phyllis Hobson. Not only how to dehydrated foods, but also recipes for how to use them.

A trip to the library will probably provide you with lots of books for the Bread Machine as well as dehydrating. ENJOY!!!!

**NikoSan999** · 09-25-2009, 09:47 AM

Congratulations, you will enjoy I can tell. Keep us posted on your endeavors!!!

**littleplum** · 09-25-2009, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by dwnloom

Hey Guys, I have some good news. I have a brand new Bread machine and food dehydrator. Now, I need help! I dont know how to use either one of these. Can some one please help me. I know there are alot of people that have these - so any help is greatly appreciated.

Dawn

One thing we like to do with our dehydrator is to slice strawberries thin (about 1/8 inch) and dry them to be used later in oatmeal. We make our oatmeal with milk, then add the strawberries and sweeten to taste. So much better than those imitation strawberry bits in those expensive little packets.

**dwnloom** · 09-25-2009, 12:10 PM

Thank you guys for the wonderful ideas. Littleplum - that sounds wonderful. I will definitely make that.

Dawn

**Contrary Housewife** · 09-25-2009, 12:41 PM

If the items are new there should be instructions in the manuals that came with them. You can get replacement manuals (and parts) from an appliance repair store in your area, though they may have to order them.

Both devices are really simple to use, so if the directions look too easy, don't worry, it really is.

**frugalfranny** · 09-25-2009, 01:03 PM

Lots of info on here about both items...might have to do a search but keep looking.......info and recipes abound.

This might help.......[ame="http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123189"]What's in your dehydrator - Sept. 2009 - Frugal Village Forums[/ame] hope it takes you to the dehydrator thread.