It’s time for loafing

WHEN IT COMES TO CHRISTMAS FEASTING, NO ONE WANTS TO STOP THE FESTIVITIES FOR A BREAD RUN

In this week’s instalment of our stress-free Christmas prep, we’re focusing on loaves of bread that are perfect for the freezer and the festive season when you always need something to mop all the juicy flavours!

WHY MAKE BREAD AHEAD OF TIME?

Keeping a few loaves of bread in the freezer during the festive period is a big money saver.

A loaf of store-bought bread is expensive these days, and it often goes to waste or (if you live in a humid area) is attacked by the dreaded mould brought on by high temperatures.

Since Christmas is a hot, sticky time, there is more chance of throwing away moulded or unfinished loaves of bread.

Not only does it increase food waste, but it’s like taking cash from your wallet and throwing it in the bin.

SAVE MONEY MAKING YOUR OWN BREAD

If you’re buying bread every week, consider how much you spend on each loaf and how much you’ll need for Christmas.

You’ll soon realise that we pay a pretty penny for something you can make for a pittance at home.

That’s why baking loaves of bread ahead of time will keep you wellstocked and ensure you can lock in today’s flour prices and stretch ingredients for longer.

There’s also no need to run to the store because you can simply run to your freezer.

These three points are a big help at Christmas when you want to reduce spending and keep your wallet happy, leaving you with more money for Christmas presents, festive meals and day-to-day holiday groceries.

These easy-to-make loaves are also easy to freeze, so you can make a few loaves at once, pop them in the freezer and reheat them when you need them.

HOW TO FREEZE BREAD

The most crucial step is to ensure the bread is well sealed in an airtight bag before adding it to the freezer.

If kept this way, the bread will stay fresh for three months.

Label and date it – keep track of when you stored your food, and avoid hanging on to anything for too long by labelling and dating everything. Use a permanent marker to write on plastic wraps and bags.

Freeze it quickly – package and store your food as soon as possible. This will keep bread at its best, ensuring the flavour and texture are optimum when defrosted.

Make sure it’s cool – don’t place warm bread into the freezer, or you’ll risk raising the freezer’s temperature and causing other stored foods to slightly defrost.

When you’re ready to enjoy the bread, simply remove a slice or the entire loaf, and thaw it at room temperature.

You can then enjoy it as is, wrap it in foil, heat it in a gentle oven, or pop it in the toaster.