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Tip Store: Cooking: Bread
Baking Our Own Bread Leads to Big Savings Per Year
Every 6 months, my hubby and I review our grocery spending and take notes of where we can still eat well, but save on everyday costs. After taking note of how much we were spending on bread each week (4 loaves per week at our local bakery=$16), we decided to purchase a bread-maker from Kogan at $100 plus free delivery and make our own bread at home. Coles sell a brand of whole wheat flour in 5kg bags for $14.95 and the yeast is supplied in the bag which makes 8.5 loaves of delicious whole wheat bread per bag of flour. We have calculated that each loaf of bread costs $1.80 per loaf including the electricity to run the bread-maker. We now pay $7.20 per week for 4 loaves of bread instead of $16.00 which is half the cost of purchasing the bread at the local bakery. We now save $457.60 per year on baking our own bread at home. There is something about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. It's Divine!
Contributed by Michelle H.
Contributed by Michelle H.
Delicious MOO Breadcrumbs
A great way to use up bread crusts is to put then into your food processor. Then place them on an oven tray and sprinkle in some sesame seeds. Put on low heat in the oven and check regularly. Mix them around to ensure they're all dried out. You now have delicious bread crumbs. It's important to add the sesame seeds at this stage so they pop in the oven instead of when they're cooking in the hot oil.
Contributed by Robyn
Contributed by Robyn
Cheesy Vegemite Scrolls
Approximate $ Savings: $20
I thought that cheesy Vegemite scrolls were really expensive to buy for my son's lunchbox so I made them myself for a fraction of the cost! I just bought a pack of bread mix for $1.99 and used some cheddar cheese from my fridge and some Vegemite from my pantry. I made the bread dough in the bread machine and divided it into 8 rolls. I rolled them into sausages and spread Vegemite and sprinkled grated cheese on the sausages. I then rolled them up like a pinwheel and baked them for 20 minutes on 180 degrees Celsius. My son loves them and I reckon that I have made a big saving as they cost around $3 - $4 each from the bakery! It cost approximately $4 to make a yummy batch of 8 - just 50 cents each!
Contributed by Sue Darby
I thought that cheesy Vegemite scrolls were really expensive to buy for my son's lunchbox so I made them myself for a fraction of the cost! I just bought a pack of bread mix for $1.99 and used some cheddar cheese from my fridge and some Vegemite from my pantry. I made the bread dough in the bread machine and divided it into 8 rolls. I rolled them into sausages and spread Vegemite and sprinkled grated cheese on the sausages. I then rolled them up like a pinwheel and baked them for 20 minutes on 180 degrees Celsius. My son loves them and I reckon that I have made a big saving as they cost around $3 - $4 each from the bakery! It cost approximately $4 to make a yummy batch of 8 - just 50 cents each!
Contributed by Sue Darby
MOO Bread Flour
Bread flour for making bread is double the cost of plain flour, so to make your own add 1 teaspoon of gluten flour (from the healthfood store) to each cup of Homebrand plain flour. Makes lovely springy bread very cheaply.
- Contributed by Carmelo Cutroni, 27th January 2012
Editors note: The only difference between bread flour and regular plain flour is the protein content. Plain flour has 8-11% protein; bread flour has 12-14%. By adding the extra gluten you are adding extra protein. The extra protein in bread flour results in a slightly higher rise and chewier texture, but you'll still get a good result with plain flour if that is all you have. Cath
- Contributed by Carmelo Cutroni, 27th January 2012
Editors note: The only difference between bread flour and regular plain flour is the protein content. Plain flour has 8-11% protein; bread flour has 12-14%. By adding the extra gluten you are adding extra protein. The extra protein in bread flour results in a slightly higher rise and chewier texture, but you'll still get a good result with plain flour if that is all you have. Cath
Gourmet Crumbs to Order
Approximate $ Savings: $1.50 - $ 2.50 per packet
I haven't bought breadcrumbs for 6 months. We always seem to collect pita bread/wraps/bread of all kinds and the bottom of cereal packed such as Special K and Corn Flakes. I decided to put these into the freezer and as needed I blend them into crumbs. If I want flavoured crumbs I add spices/herbs/salt/pepper or even a bit of cheese. They are better than the bought ones and use all the pesky left over bits and pieces in the cupboard. Who needs commercial crumbs !!
- Contributed by Cindy Seehusen, 21st July 2011
I haven't bought breadcrumbs for 6 months. We always seem to collect pita bread/wraps/bread of all kinds and the bottom of cereal packed such as Special K and Corn Flakes. I decided to put these into the freezer and as needed I blend them into crumbs. If I want flavoured crumbs I add spices/herbs/salt/pepper or even a bit of cheese. They are better than the bought ones and use all the pesky left over bits and pieces in the cupboard. Who needs commercial crumbs !!
- Contributed by Cindy Seehusen, 21st July 2011
Bread Baking Time Saver
When baking bread save time on proving by using the microwave. Simply place a glass pie plate with one cup of hot water and place the dough in a microwave safe bowl in the microwave on ten percent power for fifteen minutes, knead and bake as usual. This will save around forty-five minutes.
- Contributed by Melissa Lea-Wood, 25th July 2010
- Contributed by Melissa Lea-Wood, 25th July 2010
Slicing Bread
Approximate $ Savings: Can save up to $1 loaf of bread
When I slice loaves of bread I have purchased at the supermarket (usually marked down and unsliced is all that is left) I have found that if I slice them whilst they are still partially frozen they are much easier to slice evenly and thinner. The slices are a lot neater and I find I get more slices from a loaf. I buy my bread weekly and store it in the freezer and defrost it a loaf at a time.
- Contributed by Pamela, Old Toongabbie, 9th June 2010
When I slice loaves of bread I have purchased at the supermarket (usually marked down and unsliced is all that is left) I have found that if I slice them whilst they are still partially frozen they are much easier to slice evenly and thinner. The slices are a lot neater and I find I get more slices from a loaf. I buy my bread weekly and store it in the freezer and defrost it a loaf at a time.
- Contributed by Pamela, Old Toongabbie, 9th June 2010
Bake Your Own Bread to Save Bucket Loads of Dough
Approximate $ Savings: Between $100-$120 per fortnight
I buy 2x 5kg bags of bread flour (one white,1 wholemeal) every 2-3 weeks. I bought a new breadmaker (pretty much) at a garage sale for $25. From these bags, I make roughly 14 loaves of bread and 48 rolls. The rolls are either cheese and vegemite scrolls or cheese and pasta sauce rolls. The bread has either sesame seeds or poppy seeds. I mix the dough in the breadmaker, then put it in a proper bread tin (the breadmaker tin is a funny shape!). This rises near our wood fire in winter or in summer in the sun behind a window. Comparing roughly with Bakers Delight prices, I think I save between $100-$120 on bread for our family of six.
- Contributed by Sally, Campbells Creek, 2nd August 2009
I buy 2x 5kg bags of bread flour (one white,1 wholemeal) every 2-3 weeks. I bought a new breadmaker (pretty much) at a garage sale for $25. From these bags, I make roughly 14 loaves of bread and 48 rolls. The rolls are either cheese and vegemite scrolls or cheese and pasta sauce rolls. The bread has either sesame seeds or poppy seeds. I mix the dough in the breadmaker, then put it in a proper bread tin (the breadmaker tin is a funny shape!). This rises near our wood fire in winter or in summer in the sun behind a window. Comparing roughly with Bakers Delight prices, I think I save between $100-$120 on bread for our family of six.
- Contributed by Sally, Campbells Creek, 2nd August 2009
Frozen Yeast Lasts Longer
I make my own bread and I found that if you buy your yeast in bulk or when on special you can actually keep it in the freezer and it won't go off, even after the use by date. I use it everyday and as it is dried yeast it doesn't go hard so you can use it as you go.
- Contributed by Kerry, Hampton Park, 10th February 2010
- Contributed by Kerry, Hampton Park, 10th February 2010
Making Bread Is Easy
There are lots of simple bread recipes around, most of them just requiring yeast, a little sugar to feed the yeast, salt, plain flour and water. It's the method that can bog you down as time may not be on your side. I have an automatic bread maker now that has a start delay so I can plan to have fresh bread whenever I like but if your finances don't run to this, try this trick. Mix up the dough last thing at night and knead it for the required time, then put it in a bowl, cover with Gladwrap, and put it in the fridge to rise overnight. If you left it out it would over prove. The cold slows the process down. Early next morning, punch down the dough, form into rolls (much quicker than a loaf) and allow to rise again, then bake. This method will give you fresh bread without having to start at 5am.
- Contributed by Heather, Eglinton, 10th September 2008
- Contributed by Heather, Eglinton, 10th September 2008
Put that bread maker to better use
Approximate $ Savings: Approximately $2 per loaf
I didn't like the loaf that came out of the breadmaker as it had a hole in it. Now when I'm making bread I still use the breadmaker, but on the dough cycle. I bought a loaf tin and bake the bread in the oven rather than in the breadmaker. I also make bread rolls, pizza bread, savoury twirls , cinnamon twirls, rolls with cheese on top, both long and round. Buy the 10kg bag of bread mix from Coles at $19.95 and it works out at 85c a loaf or for 8 medium bread rolls. The dough cycle on my breadmaker takes 1 hour and 25 minutes, then I knead for about 3 to 4 minutes, and put the dough into the loaf tin or divide up into 8 pieces and roll into rolls. I have the oven on 200 to preheat. My oven is a wall oven with drawers underneath so I put the tin in one of the drawers to let the bread rise again, usually 30 minutes, then just put it in the oven (25 minutes for a loaf and 10 minutes for rolls). It doesn't take any longer to make a loaf of bread and I like the end result much more and still saving money.
This is one of my favourite breadmaker recipes. To make pizza bread let breadmaker do its thing then put the dough on a floured board and knead. Roll out till its roughly 400mm x 300mm. Spread tomato paste over the dough sprinkle with 3 slices of bacon chopped up, 1/2 red onion chopped up and 1/2 cup grated tasty cheese. When spread evenly over the dough fold one 1/2 dough into itself then the other half over the top. Put onto greaseproof paper on tray, put into warming drawer for 30 minutes then into the oven for 30 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius.
- Contributed by Margaret, Logan Reserve, 21st July 2009
- Contributed by Margaret, Logan Reserve, 21st July 2009
Bake It
"Bake it" stores in Victoria and WA sell everything you need to bake bread at home. They also have a bread machine lease option with a one off payment. I buy a 10kg bag of "Crusty Meal" (wholemeal) which makes 21 large loaves (I have a Breville big loaf - which makes full loaf sizes) of bread for $27.95. That is roughly (when you include the price of yeast) $1.40 per loaf. The bread is beautiful and is without preservatives or additives that can be found in store bought bread. We have a large family and go through a loaf of bread per day - making my own bread saves us a lot of money.
- Contributed by Tracy, Bendigo, 23rd September 2009
- Contributed by Tracy, Bendigo, 23rd September 2009
Perfect Pappadams
Instead of cooking pappadams in a deep fryer, spray them withal fine coat of oil and cook in the microwave. Saves money and is much healthier.
-Contributed by Emma, Hawthorn, 16th June 2009
-Contributed by Emma, Hawthorn, 16th June 2009
Use Those Bread Crusts
My children don't like to eat bread crusts. Instead of throwing them out, I do one of two things. 1. Spread them with butter & Vegemite, cut them into fingers. Slowly dry them out in an oven set on 100-120o. Once cooled you will have an excellent snack. Store in an airtight container. My kids love these & have named them "Vegemite Crunchies". 2. Break the crusts into pieces. Pile them up on a baking tray and dry them out in the oven. (This can be done at the end of baking, so that you are not turning the oven on just for one purpose). Once dry, zap them in the food processor until you have fine bread crumbs. Store in an airtight container. No need to purchase bread crumbs for cooking!
- Contributed by Michelle, Griffith, 13th January 2009
- Contributed by Michelle, Griffith, 13th January 2009
Crumby Solution
If you don't use up all your bread (e.g. your children don't eat crusts, or you have garlic bread left over from last week), crumb it in the food processor or pull it apart in your fingers, and freeze it for your next recipe with breadcrumbs e.g. treacle tart.
- Contributed by Sarah, Wynnum West, 11th July 2008
- Contributed by Sarah, Wynnum West, 11th July 2008
Cheaper Multigrain Bread
Approximate $ Savings: $2.90
For multigrain bread lovers, l have found that multigrain bread retails for approximately $4.60 (good quality one). Well l have found that making your own bread using a bread maker costs around approximately $1.70 a loaf and this gives me a large loaf and being by myself it will last 2 to 3 days. Happy bread making.
- Contributed by Terry, Burton, 8th July 2008
For multigrain bread lovers, l have found that multigrain bread retails for approximately $4.60 (good quality one). Well l have found that making your own bread using a bread maker costs around approximately $1.70 a loaf and this gives me a large loaf and being by myself it will last 2 to 3 days. Happy bread making.
- Contributed by Terry, Burton, 8th July 2008
Simply No Knead Breadmaking
Approximate $ Savings: $2.00 plus per loaf of bread made
Try making your bread at home using the Simply No Knead method. Each 2kg bag makes 4 loaves at a cost of approx. $2.00 per loaf - if you buy quality grain, rye or Tuscan bread at the shops it costs a minimum of $4.00. You can buy ingredients online at www.snk.com.au. It is easy to make by hand but you can use a bread machine if you have one. It tastes delicious and you never have to worry about wastage as it all gets eaten!
- Contributed by Michelle, Chelsea Heights, 2nd July 2008
Try making your bread at home using the Simply No Knead method. Each 2kg bag makes 4 loaves at a cost of approx. $2.00 per loaf - if you buy quality grain, rye or Tuscan bread at the shops it costs a minimum of $4.00. You can buy ingredients online at www.snk.com.au. It is easy to make by hand but you can use a bread machine if you have one. It tastes delicious and you never have to worry about wastage as it all gets eaten!
- Contributed by Michelle, Chelsea Heights, 2nd July 2008
Breadmaker Saves a Lot of Dough
Approximate $ Savings: $686 per year
I save a whopping $686 on bread alone, by using my breadmaker! To buy from the shop, I would need to purchase 5x 850g loaves of bread per week for our family at approx $3 ea, costing us $15 per week (or $780 per year). But instead, I buy a 10kg bag of black & gold plain flour for $7.50, which makes 16 loaves. Add the extras of yeast, mixed seeds, bread improver, power etc & per loaf works out to 60c each (& each loaf is 1kg). So 3 home made loaves of bread is sufficient for our family, costing us $1.80 per week or $94 per year. A huge saving of $686!! And an added bonus, the breadmaker was a wedding gift!
- Contributed by Leonie, Albany, 9th March 2008
I save a whopping $686 on bread alone, by using my breadmaker! To buy from the shop, I would need to purchase 5x 850g loaves of bread per week for our family at approx $3 ea, costing us $15 per week (or $780 per year). But instead, I buy a 10kg bag of black & gold plain flour for $7.50, which makes 16 loaves. Add the extras of yeast, mixed seeds, bread improver, power etc & per loaf works out to 60c each (& each loaf is 1kg). So 3 home made loaves of bread is sufficient for our family, costing us $1.80 per week or $94 per year. A huge saving of $686!! And an added bonus, the breadmaker was a wedding gift!
- Contributed by Leonie, Albany, 9th March 2008
Yummy Garlic Bread
Approximate $ Savings: $3 to $5 at meal time
I have a family of 5 with 2 boys who are growing teenagers and love to eat. To save money on main meals I make homemade garlic butter and serve garlic bread as a side dish (it is also a huge hit when you have dinner parties, nothing like fresh garlic bread). I freeze the garlic butter in bulk in a container, when I require some butter, I just break an amount that I need and soften it in the microwave. It averages about $2 to make the garlic butter - $1.46 for a 250g Homebrand butter (room temperature), 1 head of diced garlic approximately 50c, 2 tablebspoons parsley, place in a mixing bowl and mix on medium speed until smooth. I buy 4 or 5 loaves of Aldi bread when I do my grocery shopping at $1.09 per loaf and freeze it. Come meal time, I grill one side of the bread (no need to defrost the bread) and then I butter the other side of the bread and place it under the grill until toasted, voila, nice, cheap and tasty garlic bread as a side dish. It is filling as the kids can have as many slices as they want and it saves me having to spend more money on meat. I also use the frozen Aldi bread to make toast or toasted sandwiches rather than using everyday fresh bread that is required for sandwiches. You don't even have to defrost the bread, just pop it straight into the toaster or grill. I also save all the end slices of the bread and keep them frozen, when it is time to make bread crumbs, I take the required amount of sliced bread out in the morning to defrost and then I can make my freah homemade bread crumbs. By using the end slices there is no wastage of bread, therefore, I can save the other slices for toast and garlic bread. Hope this can help in keeping the price down at meal time, not only is it cheaper than having to buy more meat, you also have the added advantage of eating plenty of tasty garlic!!
- Contributed by Mira, Glenhaven, 27th May 2008
- Contributed by Mira, Glenhaven, 27th May 2008
Never Throw Away Bread
White bread that is past its best for sandwiches can be used to make bread and butter pudding or French toast or fried with bacon for a hearty breakfast. My favourite use for all kinds of stale bread is to pop it in the blender and make breadcrumbs that can be kept in the freezer. These are a real time saver when making anything that needs breadcrumbs. Crumbed fish is better than battered. Use on fishcakes. Forget hamburger helper and add your "free" crumbs to mince when making burgers or meatballs to get more product and a softer juicy texture. Stuffed mushrooms with a cheese and breadcrumb crust, schnitzels - mmmm.
- Contributed by Gordon, Thornbury, 25th February 2008
- Contributed by Gordon, Thornbury, 25th February 2008
Saving Power and Money with Bread Maker
I own a Sunbeam bread-making machine that has three kneading cycles (including short initial knead cycle) and three rising cycles. To save power costs delete middle cycles for both kneading and rising and increase the last rise cycle to 90 minutes. Works a treat and saves power costs!!!
- Contributed by Lilian, Marangaroo, 1st June 2005
- Contributed by Lilian, Marangaroo, 1st June 2005
Using Up Bread Ends
I hate wasting any food so I have found a couple of great uses for all the crust slices of bread that no one wants to eat. I just freeze them all until needed (it's amazing how many you accumulate!!) - they are great to use for toasted sandwiches - put the crust side in the middle of the sandwich and nobody knows any different!! They also make great fresh bread crumbs - just put through food processor and add to mornay etc. for a great crunchy topping or add to rissoles and hamburgers for some extra fibre. - Contributed by Suzanne, Alexandra Hills, May 26th 2005
Free Bread From Bakers Delight Every Week
I love Bakers Delight bread varieties but only buy them as an occasional treat because they are so expensive. I recently joined Bakers Delight's healthy eating program (Bread 4 Health) on their website called “Health e Planner” to assist me with my health goals and was delighted to receive a voucher for a free loaf of wholemeal country grain bread (with any purchase) the first week that I joined, and when I responded to their email this week (my second week) I received a voucher for 2 free cape seed rolls (with any purchase). The value of my free vouchers so far has been $4.60, and I am looking forward to receiving their emails each week and claiming my free variety of bread. Their website address is www.bakersdelight.com.au.
- Contributed by Joanne, Woodford, November 13th 2006
- Contributed by Joanne, Woodford, November 13th 2006
Bread Saver
We only like fresh bakers bread. My husband will only eat white & my daughter and I brown. Now we buy 2 loaves at the beginning of the week and as soon as we bring it home we break it into cheap sandwich bags and freeze. Now we all have fresh bread of our choice everyday, with no expensive stale throw outs.
- Contributed by Lynne, Coffs Harbour, October 15th 2006
- Contributed by Lynne, Coffs Harbour, October 15th 2006
Bread Baking
I love heavy healthy loaves of bread. These are $4+ in the supermarket so I make my own in a bread maker. I use a recipe from the book that came with the machine, but add yoghurt, wholemeal flour and all sorts of seeds. The price works out at about $1.20 a loaf. I am saving about 3 dollars per loaf. That is $9-12 a week or $500+ a year!.
- Contributed by Stine, Carlingford, October 26th 2006
- Contributed by Stine, Carlingford, October 26th 2006
Bread on the Cheap
Baker's Delight sells old bread for $3 per garbage bag!!! They do stomp on the bags so I don't think they would recommend human consumption. Perfect for horses, chooks, ponds or other livestock or just for throwing to the ducks!!!!
- Contributed by Rachel, Coffs Harbour, July 26th 2006
- Contributed by Rachel, Coffs Harbour, July 26th 2006
Day Old Bread Cheap As Chips
We love good quality bread as opposed to the typical supermarket sliced bread. By checking in our small local supermarkets we often pick up wonderful day old breads such as Phillipas for half price.
- Contributed by Christine, Kensington, September 16th 2006
- Contributed by Christine, Kensington, September 16th 2006
Quick Rise Yeast Tip
There are days when the yeast you're waiting to rise takes ages. Some people use the hot water cupboard but what do you do if you don't have a hot water cupboard? I put my yeast inside the car and park it outside in the sunshine. You will be amazed at how quickly it rises when you rely on the power of the sun's warmth. And it's free.
– Contributed by Bianca, MacArthur, January 1st, 2006
– Contributed by Bianca, MacArthur, January 1st, 2006
Savings on Bread and Milk for a Family
Shop for reduced price bread at supermarkets around 6.30 - 7.00 pm, I have found the one labelled soft white sliced at Woolworths freezes the best, also long life milk on sale price at supermarkets works out cheaper if purchased by the box full, and stored at home, these savings are great for my family, as we have 4 hungry teenage boys to feed.
- Contributed by June, Moonah, September 15th 2006
- Contributed by June, Moonah, September 15th 2006
Country Prices
I don't know about Melbourne as I am country VIC but same prices apply. At BILO supermarkets you can get 5 loaves of bread for 6 dollars if you put them in the special bags provided. This equates to only $1.20 a loaf so by most standards this is a very cheap loaf of bread. I buy the 6-loaf bag and put them in the freezer and take out a loaf every night before going to bed and in the morning have nice fresh bread for the kids sandwiches. I am sure there might be cheaper bread out there but most people will have a BiLo supermarket relatively handy to them. Hope this is of some help.
- Contributed by Leanne, Greta South, December 7th 2004
- Contributed by Leanne, Greta South, December 7th 2004
Cheapest Bread in Brisbane
The cheapest bread in Brisbane is at Aldi at 89cents a loaf all the time. The big chain supermarkets did compete for the first couple of months Aldi opened in our area but now they have reverted back to almost double that for their home brand bread.
- Contributed by Lucinda, Inala, December 8th, 2004
- Contributed by Lucinda, Inala, December 8th, 2004
Buy Locally
Here in Noble Park, the bread is $1 a 680gm loaf, there are several bread shops that sell bread at this price.
- Contributed by Lesley, Noble Park, December 8, 2004
- Contributed by Lesley, Noble Park, December 8, 2004