Slice old to make croutons, bread-and-butter pudding, and breadcrumbs.
Bread is a staple food for any household, but when slices start to turn old and stale, some might throw them out with the trash. Instead, you can keep the bread and use it for an exciting new recipe or delicious dessert dish. However stale and old the bread, you can always turn it into something.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are a great addition to anything that needs to be deep fried or saut ed because they create a crisp outer layer that adds texture and taste. Make your own by cutting the old stale bread into thin slices. Layer the slices on a baking tray and put them in the oven on low heat. Wait until the slices start to crack and snap, then put them into a food processor. Process until the slices become crumbs. Breadcrumb anything by first beating together some eggs and milk, and dip whatever you crumb into the gooey mixture. Roll the item around in the breadcrumbs until it is completely covered. You can fry, saut or deep-fry the items until cooked. Breadcrumbs are best used on either deep-fried mushrooms (serve with garlic, butter and oil) or on chicken and fish. Breadcrumbs are also safe to freeze.
Bread and Butter Pudding
Bread and butter pudding is a traditional British dessert made from old bread.
Bread-and-butter pudding is a traditional British dessert often associated with summer and school dinners. You can use normal bread for the dish, but it is best to use old stale sweet loaf, brioche or hot-cross buns. Slice the bread if it isn't already and butter one side; arranging each slice or piece onto a baking tray with the buttered side up. Sprinkle on some raisins and cinnamon, then another layer of bread. Repeat the process until you fill the dish or run out of bread. Mix 12 fl. oz. whole milk and 2 fl. oz. double cream with two free-range eggs and pour over the bread; let stand for 30 minutes and pop it in the oven for 40 minutes at 355F. The dish should serve four people.
Croutons
Croutons are small toasted cubes of bread served with certain dishes for extra bite and a bit of texture. You can make your own by using old stale bread. Cut slices of the bread into cubes and lightly toast them under a grill until golden brown; mix the cubes occasionally to ensure they don't overcook/undercook on one particular side. You can also season the crouton cubes with herbs, spices and olive oil before baking, to give them more flavor. Serve the croutons as a side dish to accompany meals like soup and salad.
French Toast
French toast is a savory dish of fried stale bread. To make your own French toast, beat two eggs and add 1 cup of milk and a pinch of salt to create a white gooey mixture. Dip the bread into the mixture and let it soak for a while until it goes soggy. Heat a small amount if oil in a hot pan and fry the soggy bread until it turns golden brown and crispy. You can also make a sweet French toast by using brioche or sultana loaf.
Tags: stale bread, bread into, baking tray, bread make, British dessert
