I've had so many people ask me if it's REALLY cheaper to make my own bread. Well, without taking into account the fact that I know my bread has no preservatives or additives, I can say that it IS cheaper. Here's a short breakdown of some recipes:
**One cup of unbleached bread flour (bought in 50 lb. bags) = around 11¢ per cup. I buy the yeast in 1 lb. packages for $3.19 and is the equivalent of 64 individual packages = 5¢ for 2 1/4 tsp. (equivalent of 1 pkg.)**
Our favorite loaf calls for 1/2 c. cooked rice (2¢), water (free), 1 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil (.7¢), 2 Tbsp. sugar (3.4¢), 2 tsp. salt (.5¢), 3 c. unbleached bread flour (33¢) and 1 1/2 tsp. yeast (3.3¢). Total cost = 42.9¢ for a loaf of fresh homemade bread.
My favorite 100% whole wheat bread calls for 1/2 c. warm water (free), 1/3 c. warm milk (4.7¢), 6 Tbsp plain yogurt (about 5¢ since I make my own), 2 Tbsp. honey (15.6¢), 2 Tbsp. butter (4.3¢), 2 Tbsp. potato flakes (1.8¢), 2 Tbsp. wheat germ (6¢), 1/2 tsp. salt (.1 ¢), 3 c. whole wheat flour (64¢), and 1 tsp. yeast (2.2¢). Total cost = $1.03 for a loaf of fresh 100% moist whole wheat bread.
Italian bread: good for making garlic bread, french bread pizzas, french toast, or just plain eating calls for 1 1/3 c. warm water (free), 1 1/2 tsp. oil (.7¢), 1 Tbsp. brown sugar (4.6 ¢), 1 1/2 tsp. salt (3.7 ¢), 4 c. flour (44¢), 2 1/4 tsp. yeast (5¢) Total cost = 58¢ for a loaf of fresh Italian bread.
How about hamburger buns? 1 1/4 c. milk (17.5 ¢), 1 egg (9¢), 2 Tbsp. butter (4.3¢), 1/4 c. sugar (6.8¢), 3/4 tsp. salt (1.9¢), 3 3/4 c. flour (41.2¢), 1 1/4 tsp. yeast (2.8¢) Total cost for 12 fresh, homemade buns = 83.5¢.
How about yogurt? Without taking into account the initial purchase of plain yogurt to start:
1/2 gallon milk ($1.13), 1/2 cup plain yogurt saved from the previous batch = 5.27 ¢ (yes, that's CENTS) per 8 oz (typical cup of yogurt). Add your own fruit and sweeteners. It's still cheaper than the 40¢ - 50¢ per 8 oz. you're paying when the yogurt is on sale!
I could go on and on with more recipes and their costs, but I'm sure you get the idea.
