I’m still working through all of your questions. If I haven’t gotten to yours yet, I will. Eventually!
Beth says: I have an 18-month old, a 4-year old, and a six-year old (all boys) we already go through about six loaves of bread and countless crackers, granola bars, and other snacks. I’ve wanted to start trying to make these items myself, but won’t it take a lot of time away from my kids that I could have spent playing with them during these fleeting years? Also, the price of organic flours and a breadmaker doesn’t sound like it would be any cheaper. What are your thoughts?
Beth raises some good points. I definitely don’t want to become so obsessed with cooking from scratch that I neglect my kids, but I have to admit, I never was one to spend time playing with my kids. I tell them that’s why I gave them siblings. 
So yeah. That’s my white trash mom answer.
My conscientious, responsible mom answer is this: Get the kids involved! If you incorporate the kids into your cooking and shopping chores, they get quality time with you while you accomplish your tasks. AND it’s educational for them. My kids love to help me make anything in the kitchen.
However. At some point, you have to admit that you can’t do it all. Just pick the things you can do, and then don’t feel guilty about what you don’t get to. Although I’d try to get them snacking on fruits and cheese sticks rather than boxed snacks.
As far as bread being cheaper to make than to buy, that depends on what kind of bread you buy. Before I started baking my own bread, I was buying Pepperidge Farms Honey Whole Wheat because it was the only bread I could find that didn’t have high fructose corn syrup or seeds and nuts (my son is allergic, and my kids all prefer soft bread.) That stuff is pricey. I’m sure I’m spending less now on bread, but I did not invest in any equipment. I don’t have a bread machine (I used to; didn’t like the consistency of the bread it baked) so I just use my mixer. I’m asking for a bigger mixer for Christmas, because I can only make 2 loaves at a time and I want to make 4 so I’m not making it as often. But you could even do it all by hand if you don’t have a mixer.
I have found that bread isn’t as big a commitment as I feared it would be, but I can understand how that wouldn’t be high on the priority list at the moment. It’s a process, and it will be easier as they get older, so don’t be too hard on yourself!
Kate says: Could you share your recipe(s) that you use to make bread? Do you use a breadmaker? I am wanting to switch to homemade bread but, am having trouble finding the right recipe and technique.
Lately I’ve been using the recipe from Betty Crocker for Honey-Whole Wheat Bread. I substitute coconut oil for the shortening. I melt it on the stove top and add it in.
I do not use a bread maker. I use my Kitchen Aid mixer. What I do is use the paddle attachment for the ingredients up to the white flour. I usually add one cup of white flour with the paddle, mix it in, and then switch to the dough hook. I add 2 more cups of white flour 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition on the lowest setting with the dough hook, until it looks like bread dough. Then I move it up to the next speed (the second to lowest setting) and set the timer for 5 minutes and let it knead. I watch it, and if it starts sticking to the bottom or the sides, I add a 1/4 cup of flour. Usually mine takes 3-1/2 to 4 cups of white flour to get the right consistency.
I think it helps that I have kneaded bread by hand enough that I know what it should feel and look like. Otherwise, it might be hard to get it right kneading it in the mixer. It should feel smooth and elastic, moist but not sticky.
Then I rise it and bake it according to the directions, except I cook it on 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
I’ve been trying to work myself into making my own bread, but it’s a two person household and sometimes we don’t even use all the bread I buy anyway.
But this week I’m making challah, we’ll see if I’ve got the bread making touch.
Thanks for sharing what you do!
I knew I loved you, but now I am absolutely certain we are soul sisters. Your first paragraph after Beth’s question really spoke to me (and sounded like me!).
I just discovered that I can make bread with my Kitchen Aid mixer – I use the “no knead” recipe that came with the machine, and I literally only need to mix it in the mixer for no more than 4 minutes. Let rise for 15. Shape into loaves or rolls, rise another 15 minutes, and BAM! After a warm trip to the oven, yummy home made bread! Easy Peasy Lemon Squeazy.
I cannot tell you how much I love this quote:
“I never was one to spend time playing with my kids. I tell them that’s why I gave them siblings.
”
ahhh see now i don’t feel so bad about spending more time researching recipes and being in the kitchen knowing im not the only one. my excuse I am raising the girls to be independt and learn to rely on themselves…because even as a kid i was never a kid. lol
and i think i may tackle that bread recipe in the coming month.
Dutch Country doesn’t have HFCS but it may have nuts…
I’m really enjoying this “series” and all your other posts about the food, food choices, traditional eating, etc. I even checked out Real Food from the library based on recommendation.
I’ve been looking for a good bread recipe at altitude since we moved here. Could not find it. Gave up. Decided to give the Betty Crocker one you posted a try. DELICIOUS. Made it again with real honey. Even better. Yum. Thanks.