The name says it all. The "butt", "heel" "end" of the bread. This necessary, but least desired part of a loaf of bread. Who eats this stuff? Certainly not my kids, and if i am being honest, not me. Sure my husband will eat it if he has a hankering for a sandwich and it's the ends of the bread or nothing. Still, there is a part of me that cringes at the thought of throwing away perfectly good food. I always think "I can use it for...something.." then it sits around and I throw it away and think "It's just not worth it."
But is it worth it? I buy my bread at Target. We go through about two and a half loafs a week. Each loaf of bread is about $1.00, with twenty slices per loaf. Bust out the calculator for some simple math and it comes to $.05 a slice. That means if I throw out the unused heels of bread each week, I am throwing out a quarter. Hmm...that adds up pretty quick.
I have decided I want to keep my quarter and save even more! I have started making my own bread crumbs and croutons using the ends of my bread. A bag of those fancy croutons can run $3.00-$4.00 and a can of bread crumbs costs around $2.00. Now that is a big jump from our quarter. Are you excited about trying it for yourself now? Here is what you will need. You should have this all Iin your kitchen already.
1) The ends of your bread- you can do this with 1 slice or 10 slices, Whatever you have on hand.
2) I You are making croutons you will need some olive oil or butter to brush onto the slices.
3) Spices you like. I like to use salad seasoning on my croutons and Itallian seasonings in my bread crumbs. A little parmesian cheese would be good too, but I am currently all out.
Arrange the bread on a cookie sheet. If you are making croutons spread a thin layer of olive oil or butter on each slice. Sprinkle your favorite seasoning on each slice. Bake in the oven at 250º until they are crisp and dry. (They should not change color at all. We arent are not trying to toast them, just dry them out.) Mine took about 15 minutes.
Take the bread out of the oven. Slice it into four strips then again to make bite sized cubes. Let them cool completely before storing them in an air tight container.
Now I haven't forgotten about those of you making bread crumbs. Once you take your plain bread slices out of the oven break a slice into fourths and place in your food processor. Sprinkle your favorite seasonings in. Then pulse away.
And keep going....
...And done! At this point have a sniff and taste a pinch to make sure the seasoning is to your liking. If it is, pour it into a airtight container and start the next slice the same way.
I am just using an old spaghetti sauce container. (I have another post planned for reusing spaghetti sauce jars, so stay tuned!)
So there you have it, your very own croutons and bread crumbs. Won't those croutons be delicious on a salad or a hearty winter soup? Can't you just imagine serving a breaded chicken or sprinkling your home made mac and cheese with some of these bread crumbs? The best part is that it doesn't cost a thing to make, and you can change the flavors to fit your tasre or recipe. The Market Pantry possibilities are endless! Now take your quarter and go call a friend and tell them how they can reuse those bread butts.
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