Easy Stottie Cake Recipe Bread Machine Guide
Easy Stottie Cake Recipe Bread Machine : I’ve always loved the rich food history of the United Kingdom. My grandmother used to tell me about the stottie cake, a special bread from the North East of England. It’s dense, crusty, and shaped like a frisbee. This bread has a unique way of being tested by bouncing it.
Now, with the UK’s first National Stottie Cake Week, I’m excited to share a bread machine guide. It will help you make this beloved bread at home.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Stottie cake is a traditional Geordie bread with a dense, crusty texture and a unique frisbee-like shape.
- The name “stottie” comes from the phrase “to stott,” meaning “to bounce,” as the bread’s quality was tested by bouncing it off the kitchen floor.
- You can now easily make stottie cakes at home using a bread machine, following a simple recipe and guidelines.
- The National Stottie Cake Week, launched by Newcastle’s Big River Bakery, celebrates this beloved regional delicacy.
- Discover the rich history and cultural significance of the stottie cake, as well as tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your homemade version.
Understanding the Traditional Stottie Cake Heritage
The north east england bread called the stottie cake has deep roots in Newcastle and nearby areas. It’s a key part of traditional british baking. It shows the resourcefulness and practicality of making bakery style bread at home.
Origins in North East England
Stottie cakes started in North East England’s working-class communities. They were a main food for families, being both filling and affordable. The bread’s unique making and local name show its strong connection to Geordie cooking.
Historical Significance of Stottie Making
The stottie cake is important in the region’s history. It was a smart way for working-class families to eat. Making stotties was a tradition passed down through generations, with each family having its own way.
Why It’s Called a ‘Stottie’
The name “stottie” comes from the Geordie dialect. It shows the bread’s special making and quality checking. “Stott” means the dough is pressed and bounced to get the right texture.
“The stottie cake is a true testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the people of North East England. It’s not just a bread, but a symbol of the region’s culinary heritage.”
Essential Ingredients for Your Bread Machine Stottie
Making the perfect stottie bread in your bread machine starts with choosing the right ingredients. You’ll need strong bread flour, active dry yeast, and salt. Some recipes might add a bit of sugar or fat. But the true essence of a stottie lies in these simple, high-quality ingredients.
When making stottie in a bread machine, measuring each ingredient accurately is key. This ensures the machine works its best. The right measurements help your stottie bread recipe rise perfectly and taste great.
For a tasty yeast bread recipe in your bread machine, focus on these must-haves:
- Bread Flour: This high-protein flour gives stottie its chewy texture and structure.
- Yeast: Active dry or bread machine yeast makes the dough rise beautifully.
- Salt: A bit of salt enhances the flavor and balances the dough.
- Water: The right water amount is essential for the dough’s consistency.
- Optional Additions: A little sugar or fat (like butter or oil) can make your bread machine instructions even better.
By picking and measuring these key ingredients carefully, you’re set to make a delicious stottie bread in your bread machine.
Stottie Cake Recipe Bread Machine Step-by-Step
Making a classic stottie cake in your bread machine is easy and delicious. The secret is in measuring your ingredients right and choosing the best bread machine settings. Follow these steps for a fluffy, golden machine baked bread.
Measuring and Adding Ingredients
Getting your ingredients right is key for a great stottie. Start by adding liquids like water and milk to the bread pan as your machine’s manual says. Then, put the dry ingredients – flour, salt, and yeast – on top. Use the exact amounts for a well-risen, evenly textured easy homemade bread.
Selecting the Right Bread Machine Settings
For the best results, pick the basic or white bread setting. This setting gives the right dough cycle, about 90 minutes, for the stottie texture. Some machines have a “stottie” or “regional bread” setting, which works great too.
Timing and Temperature Guidelines
Once the dough cycle is done, take out the dough and shape it into a stottie flat, round shape. Let it proof for 30-45 minutes. Then, bake in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown.
“The secret to a perfect stottie is in the timing and temperature – get those just right, and you’ll be rewarded with a delightfully fluffy, crusty loaf every time.”
By following these bread machine instructions, you can make a traditional stottie cake at home. Enjoy the authentic flavor and texture.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Stottie Texture
Making stottie cake at home with your bread machine needs a few tricks. The key is to knead the dough well and let it rise just right. This makes the stottie truly authentic.
First, make sure your bread machine kneads the dough well at the start. This builds the gluten, making the stottie dense and chewy. After kneading, shape the dough by hand into a round, flat loaf.
- Let the shaped stottie rise again before baking. This extra rise is key for the perfect texture.
- To bake, start with a high oven temperature for a crisp crust. Then, lower the heat to cook the inside without drying out the crust.
The perfect stottie has a dense, chewy inside and a crisp crust. With a bit of care and attention, you can make this beloved bakery-style stottie at home with your bread machine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Stottie Cake
Making the perfect traditional British baking staple, the stottie cake, in your bread machine needs careful attention. Steer clear of these common mistakes to make sure your homemade easy homemade bread is perfect.
Dough Consistency Issues
It’s key to get the flour-to-water ratio right for the dough’s consistency. Too wet, and it’s hard to shape, making the bread dense. Too dry, and it won’t rise well, ending up crumbly. Measure your ingredients carefully to find the perfect balance.
Temperature Control Problems
Wrong temperature can mess up your bread machine instructions. Dough that’s overproofed loses shape and structure. And if the oven isn’t hot enough or the baking time is off, the crust won’t form right. Make sure your bread machine settings are right and watch the baking closely.
Shaping and Handling Errors
The stottie cake’s flat, dense texture comes from how you shape and handle the dough. Don’t overwork it, as this can ruin its texture. Shape the dough into a round, flat disc gently, without deflating it.
Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be on your way to making traditional British baking perfection with your easy homemade bread in a bread machine.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
After baking a perfect stottie bread recipe in your bread machine, it’s time to learn how to serve and store it. To get the best taste and texture, serve the stottie cake fresh and warm. This is the best way to enjoy it.
Stottie cakes are a favorite in North East England. They’re great for sandwiches, especially with tender ham and pease pudding. The softness and chewiness of the stottie are perfect for holding toppings.
To keep your homemade bakery style bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice the stottie and freeze the slices. Frozen stottie can last up to 3 months. To refresh, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
| Serving Suggestions | Storage Methods |
|---|---|
| Serve stottie bread fresh and warm Use for hearty sandwiches with ham and pease pudding | Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days Slice and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw and warm in the oven before serving |
With these tips, you can enjoy homemade stottie bread recipe anytime. Whether it’s fresh from the oven or thawed from the freezer, it’s always delicious. Enjoy the traditional British baking experience with every bite of your bakery style bread.
Traditional Stottie Fillings and Accompaniments
The stottie cake is more than just bread from the North East of England. It’s a canvas for creativity in the kitchen. Its dense, chewy texture pairs well with many flavors and ingredients.
Classic North East Combinations
In the North East, the stottie cake is a beloved staple. It’s often filled with traditional favorites. Some top fillings include:
- Ham and pease pudding
- Cheese and pickle
- Beef and gravy
Modern Filling Ideas
But the stottie cake isn’t just for old favorites. It’s also great for new, exciting flavors. Chefs and home bakers have come up with:
- Hummus and roasted vegetables
- Avocado and sun-dried tomatoes
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese
Whether it’s a classic or something new, the stottie’s texture holds up well. It’s perfect for hearty sandwiches and comfort foods.
Adapting Your Bread Machine Settings for Stottie
If you love the stottie cake from North East England, you might find your bread machine doesn’t have a setting for it. But, with a bit of trial and error, you can make the perfect stottie bread recipe in your machine.
Begin by using the basic or white bread cycle for mixing and kneading. This will help you get the stottie’s traditional texture. You might need to tweak the liquid amount to get the right dough consistency. Some machines let you customize settings, so play around with kneading time and rise cycles to get that classic stottie feel.
| Bread Machine Setting | Recommended Adjustments for Stottie |
|---|---|
| Kneading Time | Increase by 2-3 minutes to achieve the desired chewiness |
| Rise Cycle | Extend the rise time by 10-15 minutes for a more authentic “stotty” texture |
| Liquid Content | Adjust as needed to maintain the perfect dough consistency |
The charm of machine baked bread lies in experimenting to find the ideal settings for your bread machine instructions. With some trial and error, you’ll soon be making tasty homemade stottie bread.
Troubleshooting Your Bread Machine Stottie
Making the perfect stottie cake in your bread machine is rewarding but can be tricky. You might face issues like dough consistency problems or temperature control issues. Knowing these common problems can help you make a perfect stottie every time.
Dough Consistency Woes
One big problem is dough that’s too sticky or too dry. If it’s too sticky, add flour a bit at a time until it’s right. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water. Finding the right balance is key.
Temperature Troubles
Getting the right temperature is crucial for a good rise and texture. Make sure your machine is set correctly for proofing and baking. If the dough doesn’t rise, check your yeast. A bit warmer proofing might help.
Shaping and Handling Mishaps
Shaping the dough into a round loaf is important. Don’t overwork the dough to avoid a dense texture. If your stottie is too dense, try less flour or more liquid for a lighter crumb.
By tackling these common issues, you’ll get better at making bread machine stotties. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll soon make perfectly soft, golden stotties.
| Bread Variety | Distinguishing Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Bagel | Traditionally made from yeasted wheat dough and boiled before baking, resulting in a dense, chewy texture with a crisp exterior. |
| Bap | A larger soft roll, around 5–6 inches in diameter, containing fats like lard or butter for tenderness, with variations in sweetness between Scotland and Ireland. |
| Blaa | A white bread roll specialty associated with Waterford, Ireland, historically made in Kilkenny and Wexford as well. |
| Hong Kong Beef bun | A pastry filled with ground beef, and sometimes onions, popular in Hong Kong bakeries. |
| Belgian bun | A sweet bun with sultanas and fondant icing, often topped with a glace cherry. |
| Butterflake roll | Originating in New England, made of layered dough and butter, fanning out when baked in a muffin cup. |
| Chees bun | A baked, cheese-flavored roll, popular in South America and northern Argentina. |
| Cinnamon bun | A sweet roll with cinnamon, sugar, and butter, commonly served in Northern Europe and North America. |
| Curry bread | Japanese curry wrapped in dough and coated in breadcrumbs, then baked or fried. |
| Dinner roll | A smaller crusty roll often served with meals. |
| Hawaiian buns | Sweet bread brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants, now known as Hawaiian Bread. |
| Hot cross bun | Sweet, spiced bun marked with a cross on top, traditionally eaten on Good Friday in various countries. |
| Italian roll | A long, narrow roll with a dry interior and crusty exterior, used for hoagie sandwiches. |
| Kaiser roll | A crusty round roll topped with poppy or sesame seeds, made by folding square corners inward. |
| London bun | Square or rectangular-shaped bun. |
Variations on the Classic Stottie Recipe
Today, bakers can try new flavors and textures with the stottie cake recipe. You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option or add herbs and cheese for extra taste. These changes let you make the classic stottie your own.
Whole Wheat Options
Try mixing whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a healthier stottie. Whole wheat adds a nutty flavor that goes well with the stottie’s softness and crispiness. Start with a 50/50 mix and adjust to your liking.
Flavored Variations
Add herbs and cheese to your stottie dough for a tasty twist. Rosemary, thyme, or dried herbs give a woodsy flavor. Shredded cheddar, parmesan, or feta cheese add a cheesy touch. Mix and match to find your favorite. th>Description
| Ingredient | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1-2 cups | Substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour for a heartier, more nutritious stottie cake. |
| Fresh Herbs | 1-2 tablespoons, chopped | Incorporate fragrant herbs like rosemary, thyme, or a blend of your favorites. |
| Shredded Cheese | 1/2 – 1 cup | Add a savory, cheesy element to your stottie cakes with cheddar, parmesan, or feta. |
Try whole wheat flour and flavorful additions to make your own stottie cake. This keeps the traditional taste and texture of this British favorite. Whether you love traditional baking or making bread at home, these changes will please your palate.
Conclusion
Making stottie cake in a bread machine blends old British baking traditions with today’s ease. This guide has given you the steps to make this North East England favorite at home. It keeps its cultural value while fitting into modern baking.
With a bit of practice, you can make stottie as good as a bakery’s. It brings a piece of Geordie tradition into your kitchen. By learning the key ingredients, methods, and tips, you’ll make perfect, fluffy stottie cake. It will impress your loved ones.
If you’re into bread baking or new to stottie cake, this guide has you covered. It’s filled with knowledge and confidence to dive into this iconic British bread’s tradition. Enjoy the journey, try out different fillings, and celebrate the North East’s rich food heritage.
FAQ
What is a stottie cake?
A stottie cake is a dense, crusty bread from North East England. It’s shaped like a frisbee. The working class made it from leftover dough scraps.
Where does the name “stottie” come from?
The name “stottie” comes from the local dialect. It reflects the traditional method of testing the bread’s quality. This method involves bouncing the bread off the kitchen floor.
What are the key ingredients for a traditional stottie cake?
The main ingredients are strong bread flour, yeast, salt, and water. Some recipes might also include a bit of sugar or fat.
How do I adapt the stottie recipe for a bread machine?
Adapting the recipe for a bread machine requires precise measurements. Add ingredients as your machine’s manual instructs. Use the basic or white bread setting for the best results. The dough cycle usually takes about 90 minutes.
How can I achieve the authentic stottie texture in my bread machine?
To get the traditional stottie texture, make sure the dough is kneaded well in the machine. After the dough cycle, shape the stottie by hand. Let it rise again. Bake at a high temperature first to get the crust right, then lower it to finish.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making stottie cake in a bread machine?
Don’t mess up the flour-to-water ratio, or your dough will be too wet or dry. Avoid overproofing, which can ruin the shape and texture. Also, make sure the oven temperature and baking time are right for the crust. Proper shaping is key to keep the stottie dense.
How should I serve and store stottie cake?
Serve stottie cake fresh and warm for the best taste. It’s great for sandwiches, especially with ham and pease pudding. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze sliced stottie for up to 3 months.
What are some traditional and modern filling options for stottie cake?
Classic fillings include ham and pease pudding, cheese and pickle, or beef and gravy. Modern options might be vegetarian, like hummus and roasted vegetables. Stottie is also good with soups or stews because of its dense texture.
How can I customize my bread machine settings to make stottie cake?
Most bread machines don’t have a stottie setting. Use the basic or white bread cycle for mixing and kneading. Try adjusting kneading time and rise cycles to get the traditional stottie texture.
How can I troubleshoot issues when making stottie cake in a bread machine?
Common problems include dough that’s too sticky or dry, not rising enough, or being too dense. Adjust the water or flour amounts for the right consistency. Make sure yeast is fresh and active. If the stottie is too dense, try using less flour or more liquid.
Can I make healthier or flavored variations of stottie cake in my bread machine?
Yes, you can make healthier stottie by using whole wheat flour. Mix whole wheat with white flour for a healthier version. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme, or cheese to the dough. These changes keep the stottie’s core characteristics while offering new flavors.
