West Bend 41077 Just For Dinner Breadmaker

West Bend 41077 Just For Dinner Breadmaker
by West Bend

List Price: ~~$69.99~~
Category: Kitchen
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Product Summary

Manufacturer: West Bend
Brand: West Bend
Model: 41077
Product features:

Quick baking--oval shaped, dinner-size loaf in 45 minutes
Convenient settings for basic, specialty, and wheat breads
Easy-to-use controls with LED indicators
Ideal for dinner parties of 2 or 4; gourmet recipes included
Measures 9 by 10 by 11-1/2 inches; 90-day warranty

Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of West Bend 41077 Just For Dinner Breadmaker

Customer Review: Freed from the tyranny of store-bought bread
Summary: 5 Stars

After reading the mixed reviews on this nifty kitchen tool, I was a little hesitant. However I bought it anyway since I really dislike store-bought bread, and I am glad I did.

I started with the basic recipe, and like others, I did notice the yeasty flavor. It bothered me a little, and I considered returning the machine. But I really wanted to be free from buying bread at the store, so I decided to try some of the ideas mentioned in these reviews.

The one thing that made all the difference is proofing the yeast before putting everything in the bread maker. Once I started doing that I turned out tasty loaves every time. Proofing the yeast is simple and quick to do. I start by heating the liquid for the bread to 100 - 110 degrees F in a small bowl in the microwave, then I dump in the yeast and a portion of the sweetener. That lets the yeast get started while I measure out the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.

By the time the dry ingredients are ready (3-5 mins), the yeast is nice and bubbly. Then I pour the yeast/water mixture into the bread machine pan, dump in the butter and dry ingredients, level it, and press start. It takes one extra step, but it is well worth it for the great loaf this creates. And this method allows me to use either type of yeast - fast rising or active dry.

Recently I began experimenting with some of the other ideas posted here. For example, I use the wheat setting no matter what type of bread I am making. I also have started adding vital wheat gluten to my wheat bread, which seems to help with the height.

One thing I am just starting to experiment with is the idea of running through the knead and rise cycles twice before cooking. The idea being that this is simliar to the more traditional method of making bread. What I do is listen for the beeps at the end of the rise cycle, just before the cooking phase starts. At that point I turn off the breadmaker and unplug it for a second, then plug it back in and start it over again. It takes about 20 minutes longer this way, but my bread does seem to be slightly lighter. Next time I am going to stop the bread machine longer to allow the dough to rise more before I restart the machine.

You may be wondering why I don't just buy a traditional bread machine if I'm going to all the trouble of fussing with the extra rise cycle. I have had bad experiences with traditional machines. E.g., having to throw out bread made of a lot of expensive ingredients when it flopped in those other machines. Plus the loaves were way too big for my small household. What's worse, I had to wait 3-4 hours to discover it was a flop. I hate to waste money, but even worse, I hate to waste time. In contrast, the West Bend is very forgiving. As long as I proof the yeast, I get a great loaf of bread every time, so that even this non-cook feels comfortable experimenting. Besides, I don't mind waiting an extra 22-30 minutes, but I would mind waiting for 3-4 hours. And now I never have to throw out old bread from a large, expensive loaf. Thank you West Bend!

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Description of West Bend 41077 Just For Dinner Breadmaker

3/4 LB, Sandstone, Just For Dinner Bread Maker, Fresh Bread In 45 Minutes, 3/4 LB Dinner Size Loaf, 2 Button Operation, Basic/Specialty & 50% Wheat Settings, 1 Hour Keep Warm Option, Compact Design.

Ideal for dinner parties of two or four, this breadmaker produces aromatic, piping hot fresh bread in 45 minutes. Compact enough to easily fit on a countertop (or table!), the appliance produces loaves that are 3-1/2 inches by 5-1/2 inches and 4-1/2 inches tall, just the right size for intimate dinner parties. The oval bread pan gives the loaves a distinctive shape and a little dimple. Operation is as easy as putting the dough into the breadmaker and pressing two buttons, and several recipes are included, such as sunflower oat wheat, Swiss-jalapeño, and feta cheese--and nutritional information for each recipe is also included. The directions are extensive, complete with a troubleshooting guide. The breadmaker's viewing window is especially nice, and lets you watch your bread take shape. This breadmaker comes with a 90-day warranty. --Ariel Meadow Stallings