Well, my second loaf in the new breadmaker turned out the same way the first one did: flat, dense, and really hard around the edges (although fairly yummy in the middle). Also, the flour didn't get all mixed in along one end. Hmmm. Wonder if the box of Assorted Bread Mixes I got got too hot or too cold at some point and the yeast isn't quite happy.
Sounds like yeast failure to me. I know I found using my own yeast, that I kept refridgerated seemed to have made that problem stop. I think the yeast that comes with breads often has been too heated and the like in the shipping process, or perhaps extends its shelf life. Assuming you're doing the thing of keeping the yeast on the top and what not, but you seem the type to follow instructions. :> So try using your own yeast instead (available at any supermarket).
That's encouraging, 'cause that would be easy to fix. The package of bread mix isn't past its expiration date, but the Costco I got it from isn't especially cool (nor is my kitchen -- I hadn't realized you were supposed to refrigerate yeast packets, since the box wasn't refrigerated in the store).
you seem the type to follow instructions. :>
Depends. If the instructions are "preheat oven to 350 degrees" or "insert Retaining Flange (F) through slot in Upper Crossarm (B)", then I'm very good about following instructions. But if the instructions are "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination," or "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, yea, even if thy neighbour get off on it, and bring unto thee ointments and gloves, that thou might covet her better," then I'm surprisingly poor at following directions.
This is because things like preheat the oven etc are instructions, where as not lieing with mankind and what have you is a totally stupid bit of useless drab from fearful and confused individuals! :>
So fear not, you can keep your follows instructions well button.
My recollection from when our breadmaker used to work is that
(1) the yeast you can buy in little bottles, usually in the refrigerated section of the supermarket, works great (2) someone with more experience then me said it was important that the water you add to the mix be about 75 degrees for optimal results
well, you could try proofing the yeast and see if it is working or not. Add some water - about 115-125 (about 1/4-1/2 cup) and stir it. let it sit and see if it bubbles and kinda foams in 5-10 mins. If it does, it's fine. If it does not, get a jar from the grocery store and use that instead.
That's encouraging, 'cause that would be easy to fix. The package of bread mix isn't past its expiration date, but the Costco I got it from isn't especially cool (nor is my kitchen -- I hadn't realized you were supposed to refrigerate yeast packets, since the box wasn't refrigerated in the store).
Depends. If the instructions are "preheat oven to 350 degrees" or "insert Retaining Flange (F) through slot in Upper Crossarm (B)", then I'm very good about following instructions. But if the instructions are "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination," or "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, yea, even if thy neighbour get off on it, and bring unto thee ointments and gloves, that thou might covet her better," then I'm surprisingly poor at following directions.
So fear not, you can keep your follows instructions well button.
(1) the yeast you can buy in little bottles, usually in the refrigerated section of the supermarket, works great
(2) someone with more experience then me said it was important that the water you add to the mix be about 75 degrees for optimal results
Good luck! :-)