Buying Bread vs. Making It
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Last year I received a bread maker from my mother for my birthday. It was probably one of the best investments she could have made for me. I use my bread maker twice a week (my husband is a sandwich-aholic). I usually make some rolls and freeze them for later use! (check out my post on freezer cooking) It is so easy to use. You just put in ingredients, set it, and forget it (until it beeps at you). It doesn’t take a lot of prep time and you get real nutritious bread.
I posted the other day about how if you can’t pronounce something on a food label you probably shouldn’t put it in your body. Same goes for bread. When you buy it from the store even the really healthy looking bread can have some funky ingredients. Plus, the healthy looking bread can have very expensive prices ($3.00-$4.00). When you make your own bread not only do you know every ingredient in it, it’s also much more cost efficient, and helps the planet with one less plastic packaging going in the trash. I did the calculations once and its about $0.40 a loaf or less. Whoa big difference!
100% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe (originally from allrecipes.com)
1 1/8 cup warm water
2 Tbs oil*
3 Tbs honey
3 Cups whole wheat flour (whole wheat white flour works better)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 Tbs fast acting yeast
I altered this recipe of course, because it was very dense.
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Amy’s Almost Whole Wheat Bread
1 1/8 cup warm water
2 Tbs oil*
4 Tbs honey
2 1/2 cups of whole wheat white flour
1/2 cup bread flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 Tbs fast acting yeast
Place ingredients in according to bread maker directions. Mine says to put all liquid ingredients first, then flour and salt, and lastly make a hole in the middle and place in yeast. I set mine on the dough setting, because we found making individual rolls was easier then slicing a whole loaf.
Also, you don’t need a fancy machine to make your bread, you can make it by hand. Its just a little easier using the bread machine.
*Tip: make sure to put oil in first that way the honey comes out really easily
There you have it that is it! So I hope you consider making your own bread instead of buying it.
For more food and fun topics check out the Homestead Barn Hop, Frugally Sustainable
Could I use active dry yeast in lieu of the fast acting yeast? Would I use the same amount or would it change? This bread sounds great! Can’t wait to try it!
Yes I believe so! Just check the instruction on your bread maker and the yeast
awsome bread best yet!!!!
I just came across a bread machine at a thrift store for $3… It works perfect, but I had a little trouble with my first loaf not rising? I’m going to try this recipe and give it another whirl…also going to just use the dough cycle! Thanks for the tips…wish me luck!!!
Hmmm weird. My sister-in-law had the same problem and I think she figured out the heating mechanism was broken. I hope thats not your problem! Good luck
Thanks for this recipe! I am just starting out making my own bread and am trying a few recipes. Adding this to my list to try!
This one is great and always works out for us! Good luck on your bread ventures!
What bread maker did you get? I tried making my own but was not impressed with the recipe. The bread tasted great, but the bread rose very little. I am very anti store bought bread as well, but haven’t found a machine yet, not actively looking either, but if I have a lead on a good one, I’ll start there.
Hey Katie I have an Oster bread maker. It was a little expensive but I got it as a present and is totally worth it! I hope that helps! Also, I’ve never actually tried making bread without a bread maker haha but shhh don’t tell!
I’ve been making our bread for a year now, and won’t go back to buying store bought (or bakery bought, cause I’m perfectly fine at making it at home). I calculated it costs me about a dollar to make it at home. Less chemicals in it, fresher taste and some savings. Even making a wheat-free bread that tastes fantastic. mysimplevictory.blogspot.com
I couldn’t agree more! We don’t need that extra junk in our bodies and something about making bread just makes you feel good. Plus the house smells great!
Heather- I will have to check out your recipe thanks for sharing!
Domestic Artisan- You can’t beat the small that’s for sure! I’ve never tried using that I will have to give that a shot! I love making things more healthy
I have been wanting to make my own bread, am going to mark this recipe down, thanks!
Love making my own bread, we use wholemeal spelt and I just use my dough cycle then bake in the oven. Nothing beats the smell!
LOVE making my own bread 🙂 We had a bread maker, but then a piece broke, and I realized it didn’t take too much longer for me to knead the bread myself. I posted my go to bread recipe here http://www.townsend-house.com/2011/10/bread-and-recipe_14.html
I usually only use the dough cycle too! I found it much easier to just make rolls and slice them in half compared to trying to cut slices of bread (I’m a terrible slicer)
I use my bread maker almost every day…but I do NOT bake in it….only the dough cycle. I don’t like the way the bread turns out baked in there. Nor do I like the hole it leaves….but for using the dough cycle, that is the best.
Will for sure try your recipes…thanks for sharing.
Valerie- I hope your bread turned out great! I’ve heard you may be able to find a bread maker at yard sales just have to keep your eyes open. Otherwise buying one is a great investment.
Indigo- I agree I love making homemade bread. Everything about it makes me feel healthier.
Monica- I did some research on allrecipes.com and found some promising gluten free bread. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/gluten-free-white-bread-for-bread-machines/detail.aspx and also http://allrecipes.com/recipe/alisons-gluten-free-bread/detail.aspx
Hope this helps 🙂
i found mine at garage sale about 5 years ago for ten dollars and i love it always forget though when making wheat bread to put it on wheat setting always end up with very dense loaf that ends up being someone chicken feed lol of well live and learn.
also if anyone lives in wisconsin the bread makers are always in thrift stores now a days have no idea why with rising cost of store bread but there is some ideas i live near merrill so if anyone lives near there search in that area.
If am looking for bread recipes that are gluteen free…any ideas?
I make two loaves of bread every week. If we don’t eat both of them, the chickens get the leftovers. I agree that it’s much healthier and cheaper than store bought options, especially if you don’t want any extra salt in your diet. I estimate that it costs about $1.25 for a homemade loaf.
Hi Amy. I’m going to have to try your recipe. I once had a bread machine…and I gave it away!!! AAAARGH! It was years ago and I never used it. Little did I know how different my life would be today…or that I would have an interest in making bread.
I made my very first bread dough this morning. It’s rising as I type. I can’t wait to get to baking this afternoon.
Happy Monday!