Cooking Class--Savory Breads, Quick or Traditional

The American public is in a resurgence of "back to basics" and with that comes the knowledge that they want to feed their families nutritious foods that don't cost an arm and a leg.  Become the kind of person who likes to make mixes and bake from "scratch."

In order to bake from scratch, keep your pantries full of different flours, sugars, non-sugar sweetener, honey, yeast ... the list could go on forever. The best way to save money on these purchases is to get them when the grocery stores feature them in a sale. This is known as "spending money in order to save money!" 

No-Knead Whole Wheat Bran Bread

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 
• 1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
• 1/2 cup powdered non-fat dry milk
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 pkgs yeast
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 cups whole bran
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup butter, room temperature

1. Stir together the flours, dry milk and salt. Set aside.
2. In large mixing bowl, combine yeast, honey and warm water.
3. Stir in bran. Let stand 2-3 minutes.
4. Add egg, butter and about 1/2 of the flour mixture.
5. Beat with mixer at medium speed for 2 minutes.
6. With wooden spoon, mix in remaining flour mixture to form a stiff dough.
7. Cover bowl lightly, and let stand in a warm place until almost doubled, about 1 hour.
8. Stir down, Spoon into a well-greased 9x5x3 inch loaf pan.
9. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 40-45 minutes.
10. Remove from pan, and brush with butter.

Beer Bread

• 3 cups self-rising flour
• 3 Tbsp sugar
• 1 can of beer at room temperature

1. Stir ingredients together, and pour into a greased 9x5x3 inch loaf pan.
2. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 30 minutes.
3. Very simple and delicious and no mess!

Oatmeal Bread

• 1 cup regular oatmeal
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 stick butter
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 eggs
• 2 pkgs yeast
• 6 cups flour

1. In a large bowl, pour 2 cups boiling water over first 4 ingredients, and mix until the butter melts.
2. Beat in 2 eggs with a whisk, add the 2 pkgs yeast and beat again.
3. Using the dough hook and your mixer, mix in 6 cups of flour until  blended.
4. Put a damp towel over the bowl and place in a warm spot to double in size; about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
5. Flatten out on floured board, and cut into three rectangles.
6. Roll up into loaves and place in greased pans, seam side down.
7. Let rise for 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour.
8. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until done and golden brown.

Macon Bacon Bread

• 8 - 10 strips bacon
• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 3/4 cup cornmeal
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup bacon drippings
• 2/3 cup chopped salted peanuts

1. Put bacon in a heavy skillet, and fry just until crisp.
2. Drain and crumble.
3. Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl.
4. Combine milk, beaten egg and bacon drippings.
5. Add to dry ingredients. Mix gently.
6. Spread the batter evenly in a greased 9-inch square pan.
7. Sprinkle nuts and bacon over the top.
8. Bake in a 450 degree oven for about 15 minutes.