I just want to tell anybody who is at the point (like me) of letting the bread machine do all the work that you are valid. Seriously. Just take that funny-shaped 2-pound loaf of bread and halve it from top to bottom straight down the middle. Now flip the pieces cut side down. You now have two 1-pound loaves of more traditional proportions. Slice and enjoy.

Also, if you need the thinnest possible crust for cutting, set your machine for light crust and then, when the cycle is done, turn it off, unplug it, and leave it, without opening the lid, for 15 minutes. The moisture in the machine will settle back into the crust and soften it.

• Reply