Have you tried the Rapid Bake Cycle on your bread machine? It’s tempting when time is short—press the button and get a warm loaf in just over an hour. How does it work? The machine calls for extra yeast and higher temperatures to speed things up. The trade-off: flavor, texture, and shelf life. Rapid Bake loaves are usually denser, taste flatter, and go stale quickly. Kids may gobble it up, but it’s not the kind of bread you’ll want to share proudly. Bread flavor needs time. Sourdough lovers,...

Have you heard of the "windowpane" test? It may help you make better bread? It’s not about house windows — it’s a simple way to check gluten development in your dough. How to Do ItTake a small piece of dough and gently stretch it with your fingers. If it thins enough to let light through before tearing, the gluten is fully developed. If it tears, don’t panic — what you do next depends on your dough and timing. What to Do If Your Dough Fails the Test If your dough will be resting for hours...

Are you as picky about the texture of your bread as I am? Don’t get me wrong—I love big airy holes in a classic sourdough or ciabatta. But when I’m making sandwich bread or soft dinner rolls, I want a smooth, even crumb. No holes—or worse, tunnels. Nobody wants mayonnaise dripping out of a sandwich or jelly leaking through their toast. Recently, I discovered a slick hack that’s made a big difference in the texture of my sandwich loaves and rolls. Here’s the trick: When the DOUGH cycle...