Just empty bag and water in the bread maker.perfect every time. Worth the $ if you like dark bread. I even did one without adding the yeast came out like unsweet fudge. was actually good!Liked the easy just add waterI thought ? I would try this bread ? mix,it was delicious and very easy to make. I am going to order more and would recommend this to anyone who likes rye ?!!Definitely a fully loaded baked potato! Taste the sour cream, bacon and chives, mixed perfectly through out the bread.Made the first loaf of bread with this mix in our new bread machine. Used the Basic - 2 lb - Medium Color settings... added 1 1/4 cup warm water, mix, made a little hole in the dry mix and added the included yeast packet, closed the lid and pressed start. EASY PEASY!!Total bake time was 3 hours 5 min. Smells so good!!! kids asked if we were making pizza! Crust is thick; the inside is soft and fluffy, very airy - you can see the air pockets in the bread. This finished with the same consistency as a classic French bread.A yummy treat the entire family enjoyed! Everyone, including ages 10 and 11, loved this bread - there was only 1 slice left... out of 8 very thick slices.The chive was a little overwhelming for me, as just bread with butter... but as a sandwich with cream cheese, as grilled cheese sandwiches, ham, sautéed broccolini, etc, the flavor is just amazing!Mix arrived quickly through amazon prime 2 day, tastes very fresh, and we can't wait to make it again!We would all highly recommend this bread!Love itI have been on the search for bread recipes from Eastern Europe for many years since visiting Prague for 4 months in the late 90's. There I ate 3/4 of a large loaf everyday, walked many hours and lost about 20 lbs. Such high nutrition in those breads. And the taste was to die for.Not finding an accessible recipe here in the U.S. for those lovingly made heavy, hearty flour-topped loaves I gave this bread mix a try. And, I am so glad I have. Just delightful~Initially, I was concerned about the high cost. I still won't be buying this often, but what a treat when I do. The flavor was a bit tangy and the crumb seemed even and the small pockets in the loaf were well spread throughout. There was no need to oil or butter the crust. The one concern I did have was that the surface of the bread started to mold with 3-4 days. Usually, my bread loaves last till I finish eating them at one slice a day. But then, because I didn't want it to end, I actually sliced off the mold and kept using the bread.I use a 1 1/2-2 lb. Williams Sonoma breadmaker set on white bread at 3 hours. The bread was baked perfectly. One day I made a sandwich with just cream cheese and this Russian Pumpernickel bread...HEAVENLY...Just try it, even if for one time. We don't have good bakeries near my home so, thank you, Amazon, for making this available.I bought a bread machine and this bread made it a pleasure.Got a bread machine for Christmas, this was first time using it. Smelled heavenly! Crust perfect color, let sit 10 minutes before slicing. Bread was absolutely delicious!