what has happened to decent bread?

[pyeth]

why is it these das you can't buy a decent loaf of bread these das? either unsliced (preferably) or sliced? as soon as we find a loaf we like the bakers alter the recipe and spoil it. Just one of the many bought food bug bears we have, and please don't say buy a bread making machine, the bread we've tried from them is terrible, either doughy,big hole undercooked or burnt!

[slipnot]

Hi Pyeth
The problem is that everyone's idea of 'perfect bread' is totally different! Personally I hate any of the white cheap supermarket slices of tasteless rubber! I have a breadmaker and use the all-in-one packs of ingredients although these often contain dried tomatoes,onion etc! But they take time to make, so I try to buy from a small local bakery.

[funnygirl]

I agree with Slip, though I have not got a bread maker.

I tend not to buy supermarket bread, even the 'fancy' bread does not taste right!

Maybe I should get a bread maker.

[theonlyone]

As slipnot said look for a real baker ..they are about
but the bread is really yummy ....it doesn't last long ..

[Kleiber]

pyeth - the answer to your problem : get a breadmaker, just use the "dough" programme (to your own recipe or follow the one in the manual that comes with the machine, or, as slipknot says, buy the packet mixes) and then pop it in a loaf tin and finish it off in the oven! That's what I do & it comes out lovely every time!! K x

[shaneystar2]

Yes ..independent and artisan bakers are the best ..if you have one support him .It may be a bit more expensive loaf for loaf with bread from a supermarket ..but much better than sliced pap or the stuff they sell as "fresh baked " in the supemarkets .The majority of the dough is made in a factory somewhere and they just bung it in an oven .

[SeaJayPea]

I too only buy bread at my local baker (I'm lucky to have one these days). Can anybody answer this:

It seems to me that bread bought at the baker has more 'body' to it than supermarket bread. The latter seems to tear readily when you spread butter on it. It's almost as though they pump air into it to make the same amount of dough go further. I've never thought to weigh the thing to compare, but what do others think?

[shaneystar2]

There are rules governing the sale of bread SeaJayPea .I used to work for a small independent baker and Trading Standards and the weights and measures people used to do an inspection to ensure he was giving the correct weight .There is something called the "standard loaf" for example a large sandwich loaf must weigh x amount and a small tin x amount .I would think the supermarkets have to abide by these rules too.Have a look here

[bimbo123456]

I make a special trip to Somerfield every Saturday to buy their fresh white split tin. The bread is very nice and the crust crisps as it gets older rather that going leathery like some of the other supermarket bread. I also have a breadmaker and find that half and half white to country grain makes a nice loaf. You have to follow the recipe very closely. I also find using warmed water makes a better loaf. (Obviously can't do this if you are leaving it on timer)

[filthiestfis]

You cant get real bread in this country. I go to Europe for my bread.

[bizzylizzy]

Urrrm buy a bread making machine, but make sure it's a Panasonic. We tried a couple before we got ours and the bread came out like a brick. The Panasonic we have is marvellous. The bread's as light as a normal loaf and tastes a lot, lot better. My hubby won't let me near it. He takes a couple of minutes to put the ingredients in and a few hours later we have a wonderful loaf. He makes flavoured breads too like hazelnut and apricot, they're absolutely delicous. But only Panasonic makes a decent loaf as far as we're concerned.

[Ice.Maiden]

Well I've got a large Morphy Richards Quick bake bread maker, and I've never had any trouble with it, apart from needing to reduce the amount of sugar they recommend using. When not in use, I buy from a local bakery which does beautiful organic loaves and ciabatta bread.