This bread mix recipe allows you to make your own bread mixes so that they will always be available when the urge for a fresh loaf of bread hits. With this mix, you’ll have the convenience of store-bought bread mixes with low-cost, healthy ingredients. This mix is suitable for the bread machine, or to bake in the oven. Another option is to save mixing and rising time by mixing the bread in your machine on the ‘dough’ cycle and then transfering to the oven to bake. Whichever method you choose, you’ll be delighted with the results.

Ingredients

For each mix, you will need a quart-sized zipper bag. Freezer bags are sturdier. Line the bags up on the counter. In EACH zipper bag, place the following ingredients:

3 cups bread flour

3 tablespoons instant dried milk powder

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt.

The quickest way to put together these mixes is to put 3 cups of bread flour in each bag, then add 3 tablespoons of instant dried milk powder to each bag, 2 tablespoons of sugar to each bag, and the teaspoon of salt to each bag. This cuts the time to assemble the kits immensely.

To Use the Mixes

In bread machine – place 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water in bottom of pan. Add 2 tablespoons butter, chopped, and the mix. Put 2 teaspoons yeast on top. Bake as directed by machine directions.

To rise in bread machine and bake in oven – place 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water in bottom of pan. Add 2 tablespoons butter, chopped, and the mix. Place 2 teaspoons yeast on top. Set machine on “dough”. At end of dough cycle, set oven at 350. Take dough out of machine, shape, put in greased pan, and let rise. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until bread is lightly browned and taps hollow. Brush with melted butter as desired.

By hand – put 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water in a small bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons oil or melted butter, 2 teaspoons of the mix, and 2 teaspoons of yeast. Let the mix bubble. When it begins to bubble, stir the liquid mix into flour mix in a large bowl. Add flour if necessary to make a soft dough. Knead. Let rise. Punch down; shape; place in greased pan. Let rise again, and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until bread is lightly browned and taps hollow. Brush with melted butter as desired.

Variations

Bruschetta – mix dough and let rise the first time. After first rising, shape into 14×11 rectangle on cookie sheet. Spoon toppings on. Let rise 15 minutes. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes.

Pizza - mix and let rise. After first rising, punch down. Shape into 9×11 rectangle for thick crust and 14×11 for thin, or onto medium size pizza pan for thick and large for thin. Bake at 425 for about 7 minutes. Remove; add toppings; bake for additional 8-10 minutes or until cheese melts.

Rolls – mix and let rise. After first rising, punch down. Each recipe can be made into 12-16 rolls depending on the needs of the household. Divide dough into 12-16 pieces, roll into smooth balls, and place in greased cake pans. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned and the bread thumps hollow. When the rolls are removed from the oven, brush with melted butter for a wonderful texture.

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