For those with breadmakers... how do you....

[pupuce]

OK... got my new Panasonic, made 5 breads already.... however when do you find it easiest to slice the bread ? DH reckons it would be easiest after 24 hours.
Any tips/suggestions ?
Thanks

P.S. Anyone tried using Shepton Mills flours ?

You can't wait fgs, you have to tear into it while it is still warm and stuff chunks dripping with melting butter into your mouth!

Sorry. Yes, dp says at least wait until it is cool, but 24 hours would be better because "the starch starts to harden" (??)

Think they say if you like warm bread you should let it cool completely and then warm it before serving, I however go for Franny's approach, why wait?

If you make it the night before, then it's easier to cut in the morning.

Usually, however, I make bread overnight and let it cool for half an hour before using it.

Impatient, moi?

I usually leave it about 30-45 minutes - then tuck in. Yes it would be "easier" - but that's because it'll be harder (ie not as fresh) as the homemade stuff won't last as long as shop bought as it's not full of preservatives .

I make a loaf a day - so never have the worry of whether it'll keep - definitely MUCH nicer fresh/

I try to make it the night before and then in the morning it's good for sarnies.
24 hours seems too long?

but then I bought and electric slicer for ourselves for Christmas - supposed to be a meat one (which is does very well) but does an excellent job of getting perfectly sliced homemade bread . No more squashing it, or door stops.

The lakeland bread slicer guide thing is great (except when DH doesnt bother then the next slice is all wonky!)
Also bought a serrated knife "the sharpest knife in the world" from one of those dept. store demos. It is fab, you can slice hot bread straight from the machine, the only thing I have ever bought from that sort of thing that actually works!
I have an electric slicer but takes up masses of room and I find my loaves are too tall to cut properly.

my slicer folds up and sits nicely behind the breadmaker on the worktop (I've only got a little work top but I now work round the breadmaker LOL). I've found if I lie the loaf on it's side it fits (too tall otherwise), and it means you can get "medium sliced" bread - fresh from the breadmaker .

Anyone tried Shipton mills flours ? Which flours (brand) do you use ?

DH says it's better to wait 24h as bread is more easily digestible. Our 1st attempt after 24 hours was surprisingly very fresh!
I found the smell of fresh bread at 7AM too much...... hard to please aren't I!!!!

If serving the whole loaf for guests then cut the whole loaf in half the wrong way, then slice the 2 halves - much easier, for normal use though I cut into asap and have squashy doorsteps!

Anyone else?

I just slice+eat straight away. But dh has more control.

Do you mean Shipton Mills? We sometimes use them. esp the seed mix, but think dove's farms is generally better-have had a few duff bags from shipton mills.

Yes I do mean Shipton Mills....
I have always used their 3 malts and sunflower brown flour to make bread by hand - FAB flour!
What do you mean duff bags?
I am currently using Doves and have also bought Marriage but wanted to bulk order at Shipton mills....