Forget the breadmaker, the spungey crap those things produce is not worth it (unless that's what you like).
I highly recommend reading this simple bread making technique. Ive tried this out, and not only is it easy (trust me, I'm an idiot in the kitchen...I once managed to set spaghetti on fire), the result is simply awesome. Nice crusty bread that feels like it came out of an old-world hearths.
The article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/08/dining/08mini.html
The recipe:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/08/di...r=1&ref=dining