Experiment with your bread maker
to become familiar with its
settings.

Below is a list of several common cycles and settings. Compare these to the ones listed in your owner's manual. Your manual may also offer additional options or recommendations.

• Basic White: An all-purpose setting used for most breads.
• Whole Grain: This cycle provides the longer rising times necessary for heavier breads that contain whole wheat, rye flour, or other varieties of whole grains.
• Dough: This cycle mixes and kneads the bread dough and usually allows it to rise once before the cycle is complete. After this point, remove the dough for shaping, rising, and baking in your conventional oven.
• Raisin: Some machines have an optional cycle that signals about 5 minutes before the end of the second kneading cycle. This signal indicates that raisins, dried fruits, nuts, or other similar ingredients can be added. If your machine doesn't have this option, try adding these ingredients about 15 minutes into the kneading cycle.
• Sweet: The amount of sugar in a bread recipe affects its rising time and baking temperature. Some machines include this cycle for breads that have a high proportion of sugar. Follow the manufacturer's directions to determine when to use this cycle. If you find that bread baked on this cycle has gummy areas, try baking the bread on the basic white cycle.
• Rapid: Some machines offer a cycle that reduces the total time needed for the machine to mix, rise, and bake a loaf of bread. Follow the manufacturer's directions to determine when to use this cycle.
• Timed-Baked: This feature allows ingredients to be added to the machine one at a time and the processing to begin at a later time. Do not use the timed-baked cycle with recipes that include fresh milk, eggs, cheese, and other perishable foods. Allowing these ingredients to stand at room temperature for long periods of time will cause them to spoil.
• Crust Color Setting: This useful feature lets you alter the baking time to control the browning of the crust. For most breads, the best choice is the medium setting. If you find that your machine browns breads excessively, try a light crust setting. Recipes that are high in sugar also may benefit from a lighter setting. Keep in mind that with a lighter setting the bread may be slightly gummy.
• Cake/Quick Bread: This feature is for recipes containing baking powder or baking soda instead of yeast as a leavener. Refer to your owner's manual for specific recipes designed for this setting.