FLEISCHMANN’S® SIMPLY HOMEMADE®
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT SIMPLY HOMEMADE
Q.
A.
What is Fleischmann’s® Simply Homemade® No Knead Bread Mix?
Simply Homemade is a convenience mix that allows you to have warm, delicious, homemade bread in
under an hour. To make Simply Homemade, just stir, rise and bake! Everything you need is in one box - just
add water.
Q.
A.
What varieties of Simply Homemade® are available?
Simply Homemade is offered in four delicious flavors: Stoneground Wheat, Multi-Grain, Italian Herb and
Country White.
Q.
A.
How many servings are in a box of Simply Homemade®?
A package of Simply Homemade creates one loaf of bread, providing six to eight servings.
Q.
A.
Do you need to be an experienced baker to make Simply Homemade®?
No special skills are required to make Simply Homemade.
BAKING INFORMATION
Q.
A.
What does “warm or hot tap water” mean?
This is the hot water that comes from your faucet after running it for a minute or two. It will be warm to the
touch. Most faucets get the water warm enough to activate the yeast, but not hot enough to kill it. If you
want to check it with a thermometer, the ideal water temperature for the yeast in this mix is between 105°
and 115°F. Note that you need to add one extra tablespoon of water to the Multi-Grain and Stoneground
Wheat mixes.
Q.
A.
How do I know if the yeast is working?
When the yeast has been exposed to the warm water and sugar for about three minutes, you should see the
yeast begin to “bloom.” Look closely at the surface of the water, and you should see the yeast actually burst
as it rehydrates and grows. This tells you the yeast is alive and ready to expand. Note the loaf will rise, but
not double in size.
Q.
A.
How long should I let the yeast activate?
Remember to let the yeast activate for 3 minutes and ensure the yeast actually activates – you will see it
start to foam. Watch our video directions on www.simplyhomebread.com for any questions.
Q.
A.
Why do I need sugar in my bread? Can I omit it?
Sugar provides immediate food for the yeast. The yeast will also feed on the carbohydrates in the flour, but
the small amount (1 teaspoon) of sugar provided with the mix gets the yeast growing more quickly. If you
need to reduce the sugar, you can use 1/2 the packet (1/2 teaspoon), but for best results, we don’t
recommend leaving out the sugar and we do not recommend using artificial sweeteners.
Q.
A.
Can I use Simply Homemade® with my bread machine?
Yes! The only difference is you do not need to add sugar when you use your bread machine. Just add the
remaining ingredients to the bread machine pan in the following order (or as suggested by the
manufacturer): water, bread mix, yeast. Then set the machine for a 1 1/2-lb loaf; medium/normal crust
color; and a basic, rapid or delayed cycle.
Q.
A.
Can I use Simply Homemade® with my conventional oven?
Yes! When using a conventional oven, turn down the temperature to 375°F and start checking the bread at
15 minutes. It is likely that the bread will need an additional 5 more minutes, but temperature check will
determined if necessary. Please note that if you are putting two loaves into the oven at one time, add an
additional 5 minutes bake time.
Q.
A.
Should recipes be adjusted for high altitudes?
Yes, but there are no exact rules for adjusting yeast breads at high altitudes. Altitude affects the ingredients
and the entire bread making process. We suggest these general guidelines for baking above 3,000 feet:
 Yeast dough rises 25 to 50 percent faster at high altitudes. Begin checking the dough halfway through
the rising time listed in the recipe. Continue to check frequently.
 Dough dries out faster at high altitudes. To prevent drying, grease or lightly oil the exposed part of
dough (whether in a bowl, on a board, or in a baking pan) and cover with greased plastic wrap instead
of a towel.
 Just as dough dries out faster at high altitudes, so does the finished product. Store cooled bread in
airtight plastic wrap, bags, or containers.
Q.
A.
How will I know when my bread dough is well mixed? Should it be lumpy? Smooth?
Of course, it is important to fully mix in the flour. However, bread dough will not have a smooth
appearance. Expect it to look kind of lumpy. When the dough forms a nice ball, you are ready to move to the
next step. Proceed to gently forming the loaf into the desire shape, but don’t heavily pat down on the dough.
Q.
A.
I lost my yeast and sugar packets, can I still make Simply Homemade®?
Yes. Simply use 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 envelope (2-1/4 teaspoons) of Fleischmann’s® RapidRise yeast.
Q.
A.
Is there anything I should know before using one of the suggested stir-ins?
These are super easy ways to add variety to the basic mixes. Feel free to come up with your own stir-in
ideas! Some stir-ins may need about 5 to 10 minutes of additional baking time for the bread to test done.
Q.
A.
Should I make slashes/ cuts on the bread before or after it rises?
Make the slashes with a very sharp knife (about 1/4-inch deep) after the bread rises. By the way, these cuts
are optional – they result in a more decorative loaf.
Q.
A.
Do you have any suggestions for warm, draft-free places to let the bread rise?
Any warm place in your house that is free from drafts from an open window, fan or vent will work. You may
want to let the bread rise on top of your stove, in an unheated oven (remove the loaf before preheating!) or
in any warm corner of your kitchen.
Q.
A.
How can I tell when the bread is done?
Bread is done when it reaches an internal temperature of between 190˚F to 200˚F. If you have a kitchen
thermometer, you can easily insert the probe in the center of the loaf to determine doneness. If you don’t
have a thermometer, use the time range as a guide. The bread’s surface should be golden brown.
Q.
A.
What should I do with my bread once it is done?
Let bread cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Then cut the loaf in half and finish cutting in your desired
presentation. Place bread with rack into a box or carrying kit and lightly cover with a kitchen towel. You
want to keep the bread in heat, but do not have the loaf retain moisture.
Q.
A.
How can I store my bread? Can it be frozen?
Freshly baked homemade bread is best when served the day it is baked. For use the next day, you may
prefer toasting the bread. To store bread, wrap in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature. Do
not refrigerate, as this causes the bread to dry out (stale) more quickly. Use in 2 to 3 days. For longer
storage, store tightly wrapped bread in the freezer for up to 2 months. (Thaw at room temperature.)
PURCHASING INFORMATION
Q.
A.
Where can I find Simply Homemade® in the store?
You can find Simply Homemade® in the baking aisle at your local grocery and mass retailers. A full list of
retailers is located at www.SimplyHomemadeBread.com/WheretoBuy/.
Q.
A.
What is the retail price of Simply Homemade?
The suggested retail price of Simply Homemade® is $2.99 for one 14 ounce package.
INGREDIENT INFORMATION
Q.
A.
Is Simply Homemade® gluten-free?
Simply Homemade Bread Mixes are made from traditional ingredients such as wheat. As a result they are
not Gluten Free. Wheat Gluten is important in the formation and quality of bread.
Q.
A.
Is Simply Homemade® preservative- and additive-free?
Simply Homemade Bread Mixes do not contain preservatives. They do include additives used in many
different breads. The additives contribute to volume, color texture, flour and eating quality.
Q.
A.
Is Simply Homemade® certified kosher?
Simply Homemade breads are not Kosher. The mixes contain a dairy product. It is the policy of the Kosher
certifying authority OU not to approve a food containing dairy that might be eaten with meat.
Q.
A.
Where can I connect with Simply Homemade® online?
You can join our baking community by becoming a fan on Facebook at
www.Facebook.com/SimplyHomemadeMix. For recipe ideas and creative mix-ins, visit our website at
www.SimplyHomemadeBread.com
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