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Fresh Yeast Breadmaker Loaf

There seemed to be quite a lot of confusion about whether a Fresh Yeast Breadmaker Loaf is successful or even possible, so I thought I'd give it a go. Previously I've only used dry yeast for a variety of different breads and doughs, which were generally pretty good but I felt like experimenting. My local Tesco supermarket baker very kindly gave me a large lump of fresh yeast - far more than I needed for my experiment, but friends advised me that it's fine to freeze it, while keeping some in the normal fridge where it should be OK for a couple of weeks. Anyway, I thought my first effort should be something I'd done many times using dry yeast (50% wholemeal & 50% white) so I could compare the results. I'd say the main difference is that the texture of the fresh yeast loaf is rather denser, but strangely just as light, which gives each slice a slightly more satisfactory texture. The only disadvantage is that supposedly using the breadmaker timer doesn't suit fresh yeast. Since I really like to wake to the smell & taste of fresh bread I'll be testing this out and let you know the result.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Resting Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Cuisine: British
Calories: 1234
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tbsp fresh yeast
  • 350 ml water
  • 1½ tsp brown sugar
  • 250 g Strong e.g. Canadian Wholemeal flour
  • 250 g Strong White flour
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1¼ tsp salt
  • 3 Tbsp mixed seeds optional

Method
 

  1. Gently heat the water until it's lukewarm, about blood temperature. Put about 200 ml in a container (allowing space above for froth) then stir in the yeast and sugar.
  2. Add the flours to the breadmaker pan, followed by the oil, salt and the rest of the water.
  3. When the yeast liquid has got a nice frothy head (about 10 minutes) pour it into the pan.
  4. Set the machine to its normal wholemeal loaf setting (around 5 hours in most breadmakers) and start with no timer delay. If using mixed seeds, put them in the auto-dispenser or add about halfway through.
  5. When the cycle completes take out the loaf and allow to cool on a wire rack before slicing.