Blessed are the breadmakers

I have had a breadmaking machine for quite a while but up until recently it had only been used twice and that was with a breadmix. In the last week I have got the machine back out with the full intention of honing my breadmaking skills. Now, breadmaking machines are like automatic, self-parking cars, there is only so much that can go wrong. The key to success is getting the ingredient choice and proportions right. If that goes okay then the only other variable factor is the choice of program the baking time might be too short or too long for a given loaf.
On Sunday I made a rather delightful Hovis wholemeal loaf using flour and bread yeast I sourced in an expat shop. The bread was delicious but not really better and certainly not cheaper than buying a loaf in the supermarket. The pleasure of (partly) making it myself did give me a buzz though. The breadmaker comes in very handy though if you can make breads that are not available in the local baker. Last night I tried my first brioche. It went well enough but the baking time was too long for the size of the loaf so the crust was too thick and slightly burnt. The next time I will make a bigger loaf and see how it goes.
I am also going to try making muesli breads. These are the holy grail for me as I can combine my love of bread with my love of cereal. I am going to scan the net for more delicious bread recipes, this is one delicious hobby.