Greetings, Here’s a quick bread machine tip that might surprise you—don’t melt the butter! It might seem helpful to soften (as specified in most bread recipes) or melt it before adding it to your bread machine pan, but room-temperature or warm butter can actually make your dough too soft or sticky… especially when combined with the friction factor (the heat a bread machine generates while kneading). Instead, try cutting cold butter into small pieces and adding it straight from the fridge. It...
15 days ago • 1 min read
You've just pulled a beautiful loaf from the oven—golden crust, warm, with an aroma that's driving you crazy. The temptation to slice it right now is real. But if you want the best texture and flavor, give it time to cool. Here’s why patience matters: – Avoid gummy texture: Cutting too soon traps steam before the crumb finishes setting. – Avoid squishing your loaf: Warm bread is delicate and can compress under the pressure of a knife. For delicate breads like babka, this can be disastrous. –...
29 days ago • 1 min read
Ever mixed up a beautiful batch of bread machine dough only to have it bake up too short...or overflow the pan? 🤦🏼♀️ Picking the right pan makes all the difference! I'm sure the above loaves tasted equally good, but which one would you rather share? In my latest post, I break down exactly which loaf pans work best based on your dough weight, plus a few tricks for improvising when you don’t have the perfect size on hand. 🔹 The Golden Rule for choosing a pan 🔹 Exceptions for whole-grain and...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Should you add Vital Wheat Gluten or dough conditioners to your bread recipes? Let’s break it down! Vital Wheat Gluten and dough conditioners both improve dough performance, but they do it differently. Is it worth the money? You decide. Vital Wheat Gluten 🔹 What it does: Strengthens gluten, helping low-gluten and whole grain doughs rise better.🔹 What it’s made of: Nearly pure wheat protein.🔹 How to use it: Add 1–2 tablespoons per loaf to boost elasticity and structure. Dough Conditioner 🔹...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
My Parmesan Potato Rolls recipe is back! Originally published in 2017 as Potato Cheese Rolls, it has returned by popular demand—this time with Parmesan instead of Cheddar. Looking for some dinner rolls you can make the night before and bake the next day? These soft, fluffy rolls deliver—plus, they’re easy with a bread machine! Feeling fancy? Add truffle oil for a rich, gourmet twist. What’s the Deal with Truffle Oil? Truffle oil, infused with earthy truffle flavor, adds luxury to everyday...
2 months ago • 1 min read
I know how frustrating baking mishaps can be! Right before Christmas, one of the electronic boards in my oven went out. I don’t fully understand the mechanics, but it was still heating—just not enough. After buying a thermometer to test it, I called my repairman, but not before I ended up with a large sourdough bread order that refused to rise and brown properly. Talk about embarrassing! Here are some common reasons things might go wrong with your baking project (includes making yogurt,...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hello, my bread-baking friend, Cleaning up your bread machine pan after using the DOUGH cycle doesn’t have to be a hassle! I’ve got a solution that works like a charm. Here’s the backstory: I make several batches of sourdough bread every week. Oh man, that dough is sticky! Especially if your recipe uses a lot of water. I used to fill the pans with water and let them soak, but that turned out to be "no bueno." Raw sourdough bits down the drain? Not a good idea. Those bits would stick to my...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Happy New Year (a few days late...no, wait, a couple of weeks late)! I've been distracted. We’ve been dealing with some home repairs which means lots of soup for dinner. When I’m cold or don’t feel like cooking much, soup is always my go-to. This Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup isn’t just a recipe—it’s a way to nourish your body and soul while using what you already have. Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer: Leftover Turkey? Toss it in for a delicious variation. Tired of Soup? Use a pie crust...
3 months ago • 1 min read
You got this message because you requested to receive updates from Saladinajar.com. Change your mind? Unsubscribe. If you're baking for neighbors or bringing food to a celebration in a disposable aluminum pan, here's a tip to make things easier and more successful. Always place the aluminum pan on a sturdy baking sheet while baking. Disposable aluminum pans are convenient but don’t conduct heat as effectively as heavier or darker cookware. Using a baking sheet helps to rectify this issue in...
4 months ago • 2 min read
