I've always used the Allinson's sachets and use 1.5 teaspoons per 750g
loaf. I tried the Dove's yeast but didn't get on with it too well as it
either didn't rise enough, or when I added more yeast the bread tasted too
yeasty. My local Coop has just started stocking big packets of Allinson's
yeast (the same kind as in the sachets) and it's much more convenient than
using the sachets and works well in my machine.
I find when using the Hovis fast action yeast that it works better on the
quick program on my machine than it does on the full length one, but I do
need to add a full sachet of it each time.
If you can only get the sachets, they do keep ok in the fridge if you put
some sort of clip on the top (I use a peg). You can then finsih off the
sachet the next day.
How much salt and sugar are you adding to your loaf? If you are using too
much sugar then the bread could rise too much and the same could happen if
you don't use enough salt.
All bread machines are different though and it's case of trial and error
when you buy a new one. Just keep varying the quantities of everything until
you get a loaf you like.
Mel.


"Matthew" > wrote in message
om...
> [I am in the UK]
> I have recently purchased a (cheap!) breadmaker, and have made my
> first two
> loaves.
>
> The recipe book specifies 1/2 tsp of yeast to 450 grams flour, while
> the yeast I purchased, Hovis Fast Action (six sachets for an
> extortionate 89p) says one sachet (7 grams - about 2 tsp) for 750
> grams of flour. I decided to follow the yeast and put in most of a
> packet.
>
> Unfortunately the dough rose much too much. The result was reasonably
> tasty, but definitely too much yeast.
>
> So for my second loaf I decided to follow the recipe book strictly,
> and put in 1/2 tsp of yeast.
>
> This one rose hardly at all.
>
> Given the massive discrepancy can anyone suggest a yeast to use - the
> sachets are wasteful given that they are designed for 2/3 more flour,
> not too mention that they seem to have different (less!) raising power
> per tsp than the yeast specified.
>
> My supermarkets (Sainsburys, Tesco or Asda) sell only these sachets or
> yeast which must be mixed with water and described as *not* suitable
> for use in breadmakers.
>
> Ocado (Waitrose) sell Dove Farm Quick Yeast (125grams) for 89p, which
> I guess will be better. It is also available here at
> http://www.alexander-essentials.com/...ick-yeast.php3
>
> But even they specify 1tsp (twice as much as my bread machine) of
> yeast. So is this a different kind of yeast again, or is yeast that
> flexible that you can halve the quantities with the same effect?
>
> And does anyone know where on the high street I can buy a tub of
> suitable dried yeast?