How to Make a Great Homemade Bread - for First Time Bakers

Bread is the ultimate addition to the frugal cook. Why? Because bread works as an excellent filler to stretch your meals further.

If you really want to get on the frugal bandwagon, consider making your own homemade bread. It's thicker, and will stretch your meal even further than store bought bread.

The cost is incomparable, for a "family bread" recipe, which produces 4 loaves; it runs approximately 25 cents per loaf. The main ingredient where you'll find the most expense is the flour, which in this area you can purchase for 99cents for a 5 lb bag. Yeast price can run high as well, instead of paying $2.79 for a 3-pack package, check out discount stores. I purchased 4 lbs of yeast for $4.64. A much better bargain!

If you're new to baking bread, I would recommend starting out with the "Beginner Bread" recipe.

What you will need for ingredients are:

3 cups flour (white or wheat)

1-teaspoon salt

1 package, or 2 teaspoons yeast

1-tablespoon sugar (or brown sugar, or honey)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 cup of lukewarm water.

First, mix your dry ingredients, and then add oil and water. Stir with a fork or spoon until sticky and stiff.

Turn your dough onto a floured countertop, and knead for a full 5 minutes.

Place your dough back into the bowl and cover with oil, move dough around so all sides are covered.

Place your dough into a warm spot, free of drafts with a cover (such as a table linen, or dishcloth) and let it set for about 2 hours.

After it has set, take it out and "punch" it down to release any built up air inside, knead again.

Place dough into very well greased loaf pans, and let it rise again for about an hour.

Place in oven and bake at 350 degrees for roughly 30-40 minutes.

There is no better taste than that of fresh, homemade bread. Try to resist the temptation of cutting a few slices to munch on. Save it for supper and you'll find your family will eat less, therefore helping you save on the food bill.

While I wouldn't recommend unhealthy eating all of the time, if you're in need of a little break on the grocery bill, it's good to throw in the occasional filler. Not to mention, by making your own homemade bread, you'll know it's free from preservatives and a whole lot healthier for you and your family! Check out my "family bread" recipe which is coming soon if you want to really try an excellent recipe for the family, at a low cost!