Bread books and bread book reviews

The bread machine cookbook, by Donna Rathmell German, was published in 1991. It is claimed by the publisher as the first bread machine cookbook on the market, and it sold more than a million copies.

It was revised in 2005 and is an excellent bread book for beginners. Apart from covering all the basics of how bread machines function, and how to solve common problems when things go wrong, there are 130 recipes for delicious breads. The range of recipes is extensive, and the flavor combinations are wonderful - Christmas anise bread, crusty Cuban bread, peasant bread (great with soup), cream of wheat bread, and jalapeno cheese bread to name a few. There's a new family favorite for everyone here.

The second in German's classic series, The bread machine cookbook II takes the bread machine baker much further in exploring the possibilities of their bread machine. The dough cycle is used extensively, with clear instructions for pizzas, calzones and empanadas, as well as international breads, sourdoughs and holiday breads. For those with a quick bread setting on their bread machine, a chapter on cakes and coffee breads is included.

This book is recommended for those who want more of a challenge and are ready to more fully explore the functionality of their bread machine. It is an excellent way to extend your skills.

Bread in half the time takes bread making to a new level, using the ordinary equipment of today's kitchens. Using the microwave to 'micro-rise' the bread is significantly quicker than simply leaving the dough in a warm place to rise. For the full review, click here.

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