Preset machine to Ww regular about 15 min before sponge is mixed. Sponge: Warm water, yeast (sprinkled on top, mixed in) with 4oz bread flour with about 1/4 cup ww flour. Pour into machines basket. Put in flour next followed by rest of ingredents. Rise time for sponge is about 15-20 min.

ÒI thought the texture of the white bread was a tad too course. So I tried making a sponge with the water, about 4oz of flour, 1 Tbs malt and yeast. Let rise 15min, pour in and add rest of ingredients. Worked like a charm. Very light and fluffy with even, small holes.

In moving to a more whole wheat bread, I've tried to use the same technique, but with the whole wheat setting. This has a 30 min rest before mixing the ingredients and lets the bread rise/rest three times. I let the sponge rise 15 min by choosing the Ww setting ahead of time.Ó

>From: mark.stephens@gsfc.nasa.gov (mark stephens)