Can someone tell the advantages of making your own bread ..

[MeandEva]

I read many times on here of people making their own bread. It is something I hadnt considered doing before.

Is it easier?
Is it healthier?
Does it work out cheaper in the long run?

I make bread using the non-knead method and I make 2 loaves at a time (one for the freezer), saving time and fuel. This method is great if you are short of time! The loaves always rise well and have a good texture. It keeps reasonably well for up to 3 days as it's quite moist (if you were to knead it you would need to add less water as it would be too sticky).

Non-knead bread:
1 1lb bread flour (white or brown)
1 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
3/4 pt warm water
Greased 2 lb loaf tin

Mix all ingredients together well. Add water and mix to form a soft dough. When all water is incorporated, transfer dough to greased loaf tin. Leave for 1 hour at room temperature. Preheat oven to Gas mark 7 (sorry don't do electric!). Bake for 30-40 mins on the second shelf from the top.

To save even more time I make up a mixture of 2 0z each of the sugar, salt and yeast and store in a jar in the fridge. I then add 3 tsp of the mixture to each loaf.

Kif, how do you make doughballs? I have a panasonic & simply love Pizza Express doughballs

It is so much nicer, you can control what's in it (especially salt - shop bread can have loads of salt in it) and the main advantage for us is we can make bread overnight when we've run out and shops aren't open. Plus I do like experimenting and making poncy herb bread / olive bread / fruit loaf etc that costs loads to buy.

at kif "Fresh bread makes any old slop and scrapings presentable." Mm-mmm!