I have been quite dissatisfied with the quality of 'shop' bread recently, so have been making my own.
It is quite good, acceptable even, but still not quite right.

Just wondered if any one had any tips for getting a slightly lighter textured loaf.
All I want is a plain white loaf - suitable for sandwiches.

I see Lakeland sell a dough improver, and also sell vitamin C for bread making??

I am really enjoying making it - especially the kneading, but just want to make it a little better.

I am making it by hand - had a bread maker once but didn't like the end result.

My recipe is
1.5lbs Extra strong flour (Allinsons, I buy the huge 3 kilo bags)
1tsp salt
2tsp sugar
1tbsp olive oil
3/4pt warm water
1 sachet Easiblend yeast

I only use my Kenwood Chef for the kneading, no bread machine. I prove, knock back and allow it to rise again before baking, I know some people only do one prove and then bake.

I think that may be the answer June - the recipe I am using is the same as yours, but only one prove. Think I'll try the two prove methods and see what happens.

I don't have a mixer, but think I am kneading it enough - at least 10 minutes, and it looks 'right'.

Thanks June

Mr Olley a master baker gave me this recipe which works well.

[align=center]Mr Olley’s Bread Recipe [/align]


1&3/4 lb of the strongest flour you can get. (usually from a baker)
Half an oz of salt
2 teaspoons of olive oil
500mls tepid water
1 sachet of yeast.

Put in bread machine and set for dough.
When ready take out knock down and knead for three to five minutes.
Put into a 2lb bread tin
Allow to rise.
Put in pre heated oven (220 degrees centigrade) for 40 to 45 minutes.

The chamber on the bread machine is too small to bake in and you tend to get a part steamed loaf, A fan oven is ideal for the baking.

I'm going to be doing a few experimantal bake offs over the weekend...it's the tasting I like!!

Yes me too and you lot are making me hungry!!!

Success - did the one rise one prove method, an got the result I wanted.

Note to self.....buy more butter!!!!

YES!!!! David used to make bread in a bread nachine but he hasn't for ages - note to self, tell David to stir his stumps and bake me a loaf!!!