Friday, February 11, 2011

Is it really cheaper?

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.