You can save money by baking your own bread at home. You can definitely save some time by using a bread maker. I chose to make a small investment into a bread machine in order to save money (and time) in the long run. Wait, that's not right! I hinted to my husband that I wanted a bread maker and he bought me one for my birthday. Either way, it will help us save money in the long run. A bread machine can make bread making much more convenient and easy. I must admit though, the task of dragging out all the ingredients everyday gets kind of annoying, so I came up with a plan to save me some time when baking bread, and I am going to share it with you.
First, I gather containers that I will store the ingredients for individual loaves of bread, pizza or pretzel dough, etc.
Next I gather all the dry ingredients for making the various breads and doughs that I need. I don't add the yeast at this stage, I save that for the very end. I measure the exact ingredients for each individual recipe and add them to the containers. This makes it quick and easy by getting all of the ingredients ready just once during the week instead of getting everything out every single day.
I then end up with 6 containers of dry ingredients all ready for the week's baking. If I do a variety of things (bread, pizza dough, pretzel dough) then I will label each one. This week I only have things prepared for white bread and pretzel dough. I use the red containers for the bread and the blue containers for the pretzels.
I have magnets like this on my refrigerator that tell me what wet ingredients I need to add to the dry ingredients in order to finish off the recipe. This makes it so easy for me to just throw the ingredients into the bread machine before I run out the door. Saves me so much time! I have mentioned this before, but the pretzel recipe I use can be found HERE. If you have a bread machine, you should give the recipe a try. We like to sprinkle them with salt or cinnamon and sugar. They are yummy!I did a lot of research on specific bread makers before I "hinted" to my husband which one I would like. I chose this one from Amazon, and I am loving it. I am pleased with all of the results.
Another money saving tip when it comes to bread is that you can buy the yeast from Costco. The package is HUGE, but it is only $3 something, and that is tons cheaper than buying those individual packets from the store.
Have fun making some bread today!
14 comments:
I know this is a silly question, but in bread recp. it usually say "1 package of yeast". How do you know how much to use if you buy yeast in bulk? Any one? I don't really make a lot of bread (though I do have a bread maker).
Thanks
Jennie
Hi Jennie,
That is a great question! I yeast package is equal to 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast.
Most of the recipes I use call for yeast in measurements so that has always made it easy for me.
Thank you so much! I recorded that in my cook book.
Christy I am so glad you finally posted this!!
Love that idea! I REALLY need to get a bread maker! I LOVE LOVE LOVE fresh homemade bread! Hey, my birthday is coming up soon, maybe I'll ask for one for my birthday as well. ;o)
I was baking bread for awhile but I don't think I can make it cheaper then $.75 a loaf at our local bread store.
I just started making our own bread. My family loves it and it really doesn't take too long each week. The health benefits are great!! Thanks for sharing your method.
I'm planning on making our sandwich bread. I have a bread machine and recently bought a good bread knife and slicing guide. Your plan would really help me cut down on time spent. Thanks!
(congrats on the tip junkie feature!)
That is a TERRIFFIC idea...so simple...and yet exactly what a busy mom needs...I often put off making my own bread or pizza dough cause it takes so long to start from scratch...I see using large ziplock bags too...
So glad you were featured on Tip Junkie!!
Love this idea!!
I found you on Tip Junkie. Great idea! Thanks!
Such a great idea! I recently started making bread by hand. I'm actually in the market for a bread machine. So, thanks for the tip on the bread machine too!
I’m fairly new to using a bread machine. My manual says it is best to keep the salt away from the yeast because it can retard the growth (I add them in separate locations at the very end before I turn the machine on). I’m going to assume you haven’t had any problems with the “pre-made” dry ingredients and having fluffy loafs of bread? Perhaps I’m over thinking it.
Anonomyous-
I do not add the yeast to my "pre-made" dry ingredients. The yeast gets added into the top of my machine they day I make the bread, and the machine automatically dispenses it when it is needed. The ingredients I store don't sit for a long time, usually just a week. I have never had a problem, the bread always turns out great! It really is a huge time saver.
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