[Misc] Britain's bitter bread battle

[Birdie Boy]

I’ve never made sourdough. That wasn’t a thing when I bought my Panasonic SD253 about 20 years ago. Perhaps newer models can cope with sourdough, though I think the 'starter' takes a few days so I’m not sure.

But making standard bread with a breadmaker is very easy. The beauty of it that you know exactly what goes into it, namely flour, water, and a little salt and sugar (or honey). And a teaspoon of yeast. Nothing else. No chemicals, preservatives, E numbers, nothing. Of course you can add things like olives, dried tomatoes, onion etc if you like that sort of thing. Or raisins for a sweet loaf. That’s your call, but the basics are as stated. I have a pot of seeds — sunflower, pumpkin, chia, sesame etc, all mixed up. I chuck a couple of tablespoonfuls in halfway through to give it extra texture.

is it cheaper than the damp cardboard-style ultra processed supermarket material? Certainly, yes, but that’s not why you make bread at home. Apart from the cost and health benefits, it’s the aesthetics of doing it yourself. When the house is filled with the smell of freshly baked bread. When you take that new, warm, crispy loaf out of the oven or bread machine and cut that first slice. There’s a sort of magic about it, like growing your own vegetables. Tastes so much better, is healthier, and you know exactly what's gone into the making of them.

Thanks. Just ordered on your recommendation.

If you are ever selling a house, bake some bread before anyone comes round!

 

[Lyndhurst 14]

When I lived in the States I used to despair over the bread and rolls you found in supermarkets - I found out they were also using ingredients which had been banned by the EU. I then found a local Jewish delicatessen which had a bakery which served amazing bread, rolls and bagels and it was run by a very friendly couple who were only too happy to tell you about the different items they sold. They also sold the best chicken noodle soup I've ever tasted.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

How about 5 euros for a jar of artisanal baked beans?

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

Never really taken to sandwich’s and have always been a crusty roll / baguette man

£1 baguette
£2.79 10 slices of unsmoked bacon

has just covered a lazy lunch for our family of four, not quite 30p Lee but competitive

 

[Cheshire Cat]

View attachment 179184

I see you went for the healthy salad option.

 

[Bakero]

Never really taken to sandwich’s and have always been a crusty roll / baguette man

£1 baguette
£2.79 10 slices of unsmoked bacon

has just covered a lazy lunch for our family of four, not quite 30p Lee but competitive

That's your lunch but would do the other 3 get?

 

[Bozza]

View attachment 179184

Someone has had a nibble on your pickle.

(Not a euphemism)

 

[Is it PotG?]

 

[nicko31]

I worse place in the world to buy bread be the US, almost all mass produced bread contains sugar. Lasts forever though