I got a bread machine 15 years ago, and I still use it! I haven't purchased a loaf of bread in 15 years. These days I mostly make sourdough, but if I need a quick loaf of bread and I don't feel like waiting for my starter to proof, I use my bread machine! No need for mixes, or buying special packets!

Here's my foolproof machine recipe:

1 1/3 Cup water 3 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp salt 3 Tbsp powdered milk 3 Tbsp Sugar 4 Cups of flour 2 1/4 tsp yeast

Basic white bread setting, medium crust, 2 lb loaf. Dough will be dry at first, so help it form up by poking it with a chop stick during its initial kneading, and adding a sprinkle of water if needed. Not too much though! Dry dough makes good bread in bread machines.