BZB, this is a worry. We all do different things with our bread so I am loath to change your process too much. some questions, first, why do you put your water in the thermos ? Secondly, why remove the dough from the TMX bowl for the first rise. Third , where do you live. ? not being a sticky beak, but if close could give you a hand. Have you used the yeast to make other yeasty things.? How old is the flour? What brand is your machine?I have posted a fruit loaf recipe and process for bread machine, there is also a discussion some where on what you are trying to do. It may be on my Blog.