No Bread Maker? Baked Better ~ Bread Baking Made Easy

Before relocating to Hawaii from California, I had to make a decision whether or not I wanted to bring my bread maker with me.  It is a bulky machine, but it did an excellent job of not only making the house smell good, but making a quality loaf of bread.  I decided to give it away to one of the ladies my mom knew.  Anyhow, I miss it to pieces and I haven't made fresh bread since.  I am sure it's not that hard, but I like the ease of letting the machine do the work of mixing, kneading, rising, and baking.

I never looked into bread mixes.  To be honest, I don't know why, but I think it is because it requires either a bread maker and/or additional ingredients.  Baked Better was a mix I was willing to try and the main reason being is because their bread mixes are organic (and vegan, of course).  Another reason was because according to their site, all that needs to be added is water.  Baked Better sent me their Baker's Pack, which included a Cuisinart Bread Pan and their three mixes (Cobble Hill Crave, Dumbo Delicious, and Park Slope Staple).

I actually tried only 2 of the 3 mixes, only because the Park Slope Staple is the mix that allows for creativity and I am not too sure where I want to go with that one...just yet.  Perhaps if I do get creative, I will comment below with the result.

The mixes were really as simple as 1-2-3.  First you empty the contents (a packet of yeast is included) into a large bowl.  You can add salt and a sweetener like agave based on your desired taste.  Next, you add 2 cups of water and just combine so that it is evenly moist.  There was no kneading required.  Then you pour it into the bread pan, walk away, and let it rise for 30 minutes.  I must say that the yeast that they use, rises really quick.  Then bake it for one hour.  Luckily, I kept an eye on it, as mine fully baked at about 40-45 minutes. 

The aroma of the baked breads were immensely good!  I love the bread pan.  It didn't stick whatsoever and came out with ease.  As for the breads, both tasted homemade and were moist.  The Dumbo Delicious is dense and filling.  It is packed with seeds that added to the texture of the bread.  The Cobble Hill Crave had cranberries and walnuts.  I really liked this one.  The combination of the berries and nuts gave it a nice flavor.

Below are pictures of Baked Better's results, as I was unable to capture a decent picture of them.

Dumbo Delicious

Cobble Hill Crave

Park Slope Staple

I have to admit that this is definitely the quicker way of making homemade bread, as a bread maker does take a couple of hours.  Does this change my mind of ever buying one again?  Probably not, but it does allow me the option for whenever I want to make bread on the spot. ♥


*Baker's Pack was complimentary.

**Upddate 1/08/13:  Baked Better now carries a Gluten Free mix called Fort Greene Gluten Free. It seems to have a couple extra steps versus the other mixes they carry, but still just as easy.  What I liked was the texture of the sunflower seeds.  The taste is similar to their other breads.  The price is about $1.50 more, for those wondering.  I have never attempted to make other gluten free breads or tried other brands, so I can't judge if others cost more or less.  All I can say is, if someone has been looking for good quality gluten free bread that is easy to make and organic, give them a try. ♥