Bread Machine

Because I have trouble with my hands and can't knead dough, I bought a bread machine--the same model you have, Nicko! I love it!
At first, I had some bad luck. But once I discovered that using King Arthur flour makes all the difference, I've really enjoyed it.
One thing that helped me was learning that cinnamon has to be kept away from the yeast so it should go in with the liquids, shortening, and salt.
And, over all, I think the recipes that contain fruits are best because sometimes the whole wheat loaves are a little dry.
I like the recipes that use brown sugar or honey, but I found it turned out better if I was really generous with the honey.
I use a recipe that calls for meusli that I get from King Arthur. It is really tasty! And another uses a banana and some strawberry preserves.
I don't remember the name of the cookbook I have--I'm at work right now, so I can't look--but it is something I picked up on sale at Walden's. Nothing particularly fancy!
For some reason, I always make the 2 pound loaf-it turns out better for me, but I don't know why.

Nicko,

You can use your bread machine to mix and ferment the dough. Then perform the dividing and shaping by hand and the baking in a conventional oven. This method allows you to form the loaf in the shape of your choice. :)

In The Bread Lover's Bread Machine Cookbook Beth Hensperger
suggest adding a bit of gluten to the flour. She says it will improove the taste and texture of your bread.

What's a bread machine?:D

http://www.kingarthurflour.com

I order the bread flour and the whole wheat flour from them. Other things too, but especially the flour. Flour from our local grocery stores is so coarse that it makes a whole wheat loaf way too dry. Even with gluten. The bread flour just helps produce a nice loaf--the machine makes a good ball with it.

I haven't read that particular book, but I'll look for it.

Good luck with the bread machine.

Oh yeah, NIcko, they say Schnuck's carries King Arthur flour, if there's one near you. I don't know. I just order it--they deliver in a plastic wrapper in the box, and they have a really good reputation. I even order my cornmeal from them--I'm allergic to msg and local stores carry cornmeal mix with msg.
I admit I was skeptical at first about ordering that kind of stuff, but I wouldn't use anything else now.
One thing I did notice is that their paper catalog has a lot of things that are not on their web site. The flour is, of course.

Nicko-glad you had good luck!
I'm also sort of proud that I actually had something contribute for a change, instead of just asking a bunch of lame questions!
ChefTalk has helped me a lot. I'm glad I could give a little something back.