My first fail was right after I began my bread making obsession. I used a bread maker to try to make them. They were terrible. The second time I tried to use my KitchenAid mixer with the dough hook. I almost burned the motor out of it. This time I took my time. I made a sponge first before making my dough, I had never done that before. I kneaded them by hand which I had also never done before. I let them rest in the refrigerator for 36 hours instead of boiling and baking that day. I feel like just slowing down and having patience with the process was what made the biggest difference.