Here are the bread ingredients you need to make your favorite breads
You don't need to keep too many bread ingredients on hand, but it's a good idea to have the following items in your cupboard so you'll be ready when you get that urge to bake.
Flour is the primary ingredient in bread. The type of flour used will determine the nature of the loaf.
Read more about wheat and flour types
Leavening Agents aid in the bread raising process. There are several types: yeast, natural leavens and chemical leavens such as baking soda, baking powder and cream of tartar. Read more about leavening agents.
Liquids provide moisture to rehydrate and activate the yeast and bring together the flour and any other dry ingredients to make the dough. Read more about liquids in the bread making process.
Sweeteners provide food for the yeast and give character to the finished loaf. Read more about bread sweeteners.
Salt is an important ingredient in bread baking because it slows rising time and allows the flavor of the dough to develop. Read more about the purpose of salt in baking bread.
Eggs add food value, color and flavor to breads. They also help make the crumb fine and the crust tender. More info on eggs.
Fats and Oils are added to breads to improve flavor and provide a moist texture and rich taste. Read more about the purpose of fats and oils in breads.
Herbs and Spices can be used as the main ingredient in bread or to enhance other ingredients. Read more about adding herbs & spices to breads.
Nuts and seeds can also be added to breads to provide crunchiness as well as flavor. Read more about adding nuts and seeds to bread.
Fruits and vegetables can be added to bread to enhance the flavor and create a moister texture. Read more about using fruit and vegetables in breads.
What are your favorite bread ingredients?
Do you enjoy using special bread ingredients or a special technique? Please share the bread ingredients you use.
Sources:
Copyright © 2007 - ACH Food Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hensperger, Beth. Bread Made Easy - A Baker's First Bread Book. Ten Speed Press 2000.
Shapter, Jennie. Bread Machine - How to prepare and bake the perfect loaf. Hermes House 2003.
Tools & Resources
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Check out the bread baking blog to for more recipes and instructions. |
Don't have an ingredient on hand? check The Cook's Thesaurus to find a substitute.