Instructions

1. Portion the flour, yeast and warm water, and a pinch or two of salt. For a 1-pound loaf of bread, measure 1 cup each of flour and water, and 2 1/4 teaspoons of active-dry instant yeast. To make a 1 1/2-pound loaf of bread, measure 1 1/2 cups each of flour and water, and 1 tablespoon of active-dry yeast. For a 2-pound loaf of bread, measure 2 cups each of flour and water, and 4 1/2 teaspoons of active-dry instant yeast.

2. Remove the loaf pan from the bread maker and attach the kneading blade. Add the ingredients in the following order: water, flour and yeast. Return the loaf pan to the bread maker and close the cover.

3. Press the Menu button until the display shows the type of bread you are making; options include Basic, Whole Wheat and French, depending on the model of bread maker. When you have reached your selection, press OK.

4. Select the level of doneness when prompted: options include Light, Medium and Dark.

5. Choose the size of loaf when prompted: 1 pound, 1 1/2 pounds or 2 pounds.

6. Press Start. The bread maker beeps five consecutive times when ready; it takes about 1 hour to finish a 1-pound loaf. The bread maker keeps bread warm for up to 1 hour.