Making bread

One of the many grocery items that hasn't graced our shopping list in a while is bread - we make our own!  We cheat and use a breadmaker that was gifted to us, and even though bread is quite cheap at the shops (sometimes as low as $1 per loaf) I still believe we save money making our own.  Besides, nothing beats the fresh stuff, slathered in butter and spread thinly with vegemite!

Geekling loves helping around the house at the moment, including making bread.  Hubby often measures out the ingredients for him to tip in to the tin.

Here is the recipe we use and love:

1 1/4 cup water (room temperature - approx 15 - 20 degrees)

3 and 1/4 cups plain flour 

2 tbsp butter

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tsp salt

1 and 1/2 tsp bread improver (optional)

1 and 1/2 tsp dried yeast

Throw it all in the machine and turn it on!

The recipe can be adapted to baking in the oven - you just have to mix, knead and prove yourself.

You can also use 00 flour or breadmaker's flour if you want to get fancy, but plain flour works just fine!

We've been meaning to experiment with cheese and herbs and all manner of delicious add-ins but have been too busy enjoying it as is!