Mastering the Art of French Bread with the Tefal Breadmaker

It’s time to channel your inner baker and master the art of making French bread. There’s nothing quite like a warm, crusty loaf straight from the oven, and with the help of the Tefal Pain & Delices breadmaker, you can achieve bakery-quality results in your own kitchen.

The Tefal breadmaker features a dedicated Program 6, specifically designed to effortlessly create authentic, crusty French bread. This guide will walk you through each step of creating a delicious French bread that will transport you to the streets of France.

Before we dive into the recipe, it’s important to decide whether you want to bake a smaller 750g loaf or go big with a 1000g loaf. The Tefal breadmaker gives you the flexibility to choose based on your preferences and needs. A smaller loaf is perfect for intimate gatherings or when you want more control over portion sizes. On the other hand, a larger loaf is great for feeding a crowd or if you simply can’t get enough of that irresistible French bread goodness. Now that you’ve made your decision, let’s gather all our ingredients and get started on the recipe.

To make a 750g loaf of French bread in the Tefal breadmaker, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– 270 ml of cold water (between 18-20°C)
– 1 ½ tsp of salt
– 1 ½ tbsp of caster sugar
– 1 ½ tbsp of cooking oil – for best results use Olive oil or Sunflower oil
– 450 gr of strong white bread flour – for best results use a branded flour such as Allinson
– 1 ½ tsp of Fast Action dry yeast

Recommended: Use the “light crust” colour setting

Optional: At the beep (after approx. 30 mins) add 2 to 3 table spoons of seeds

If you prefer a larger loaf, here’s what you’ll need to make a 1kg French bread using the Tefal breadmaker:

– 360 ml of cold water (between 18-20°C)
– 2 tsp of salt
– 2 tbsp of caster sugar
– 2 tbsp of cooking oil – for best results use Olive oil or Sunflower oil
-600 gr of strong white bread flour – for best results use a branded flour such as Allinson-
– 2 tsp of Fast Action dry yeast

Recommended: Use the “light crust” colour setting

Optional: At the beep (after approx. 30 mins) add 2 to 3 table spoons of seeds

While the Tefal breadmaker takes care of most of the work with it’s dedicated Program 6 for French Bread, there are some common pitfalls that can affect your bread’s rise. Here are some tips to ensure your loaves come out light and crusty every time:

1. Temperature matters: The temperature of your liquid is crucial for activating the yeast. Make sure it is at room temperature between 18° to 20°C.

2. Get the consistency right: If your dough feels too stiff during the kneading stage, add a little extra liquid (10-20 ml) to achieve the desired consistency. Accurately measure the water using the measuring cup provided.

3. Room temperature matters too: Using the Tefal breadmaker in a cold room can affect the rise of your bread. Ensure that your machine and ingredients are at room temperature for optimal results.

4. Follow the order of ingredients: When adding ingredients to the bread pan make sure the yeast, salt and sugar are kept separate from each other. The sugar and salt can kill the yeast which will reduce its effectiveness. That is why it is important to add the ingredients in the exact order stated in the recipe.

5. Measure accurately: Too much sugar or salt can inhibit yeast activity. Use the measuring spoon provided and ensure precise measurements.

6. Choose the right flour: Strong bread flour is essential for achieving a good rise and structure in your French bread. Avoid using plain or self-raising flour as they are unsuitable for yeast breads.

7. Check yeast freshness: Expired yeast or improperly stored yeast may result in poor rising. Make sure to use fresh yeast and store it according to package instructions.

With these tips and our foolproof recipe, you’ll be well on your way to baking delicious French bread with ease using the Tefal breadmaker. So gather your ingredients, fire up your Tefal breadmaker, and let’s embark on this culinary journey to create a taste of France from the comfort of your own home.