Gertrude Grocer is committed to savouring the joys of good food while minimising waste. One culinary challenge we often encounter is dealing with leftover old bread. Instead of discarding it, we'll show you tip and recipes where you can re-use your stale bread into delectable dishes.
- Homemade Croutons
When life hands you stale bread, croutons are a brilliant choice. These crispy, seasoned bites add a delightful crunch to salads and soups.
How to make homemade croutons:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C.
- Slice your old bread into bite-sized cubes.
- Toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, and aromatic herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Spread the seasoned cubes on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden and irresistibly crisp.
- Bruschetta
Bruschetta, a timeless Italian classic, is a divine way to resurrect your old bread. This appetiser is a delightful showcase of simple, fresh ingredients.
How to make bruschetta:
- Slice your old bread into thick, rustic pieces.
- Toast the bread slices until they're golden and crisp.
- Rub the toasted slices with a clove of garlic and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
- Top each slice with diced ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, a pinch of salt, and a dash of balsamic vinegar.
- French Toast
Stale bread lends itself splendidly to making the ultimate French toast. Its porous texture soaks up the egg mixture for a sumptuous breakfast treat.
How to make French toast:
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar.
- Dip slices of old bread into the mixture and allow them to soak briefly.
- Cook the soaked slices in a buttered skillet until they're golden and slightly crispy.
- Serve your French toast with a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Breadcrumb Coating
Don't forget that old bread can be repurposed into breadcrumbs, perfect for coating dishes like chicken, fish, vegetables, and even bruschetta toppings!
How to make breadcrumbs:
- Toast the stale bread slices until they're dry and crisp.
- Break them into smaller pieces and pulse them in a food processor until you have fine breadcrumbs.
- Store your homemade breadcrumbs in an airtight container for future culinary adventures.