Re: A novice bread Maker..
 

I've never been able to get hand-made bread to rise as well as it does in the machine. I don't think I've ever had time to prove it twice though. I certainly don't these days that's for sure. While our b&b guests all love the fresh bread on the table in the morning, one or two of them seem surprised that it's not hand made. I have to point out that, much as I am dedicated to their comfort and enjoyment, it doesn't extend to kneading dough at 4am. :D

Re: A novice bread Maker..
 

No you must be on here at that time of the morning.:D;):D

Re: A novice bread Maker..
 

I rarely use the breadmaker to bake the bread, but do use it all the time to knead and do the first rise of the dough

Re: A novice bread Maker..
 

Following recommendations on here, I bought the Panny SD-256 to replace a well-used Kenwood.

Working from home today, so had time to enjoy a lovely slice with butter and marmalade instead of rushing down cornflakes as usual. Mmmm

To to OP: You should have a handbook with the breadmaker which lists lots of recipes to get you going. Perhaps you could contact the manufacturer?