Sometimes I think we have such easy access to goods and services that we forget to use up what we have. What is that old quote, “use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”. I know I am guilty of throwing away food and leftovers that could be made into something else. But one thing I don't throw away is stale bread and rolls because they make great homemade breadcrumbs.
We have a gallon size Zip-loc freezer bag that we chuck the heels of the bread or stale rolls or buns into instead of throwing them away. Then when the bag gets full. I line them up on a baking sheet and put them into the oven at 200 degrees. (I usually do this while I am cleaning or cooking dinner.) After 30 minutes turn the bread or roll pieces over and cook for another 30 minutes. The bread should be crispy and completely dried out. It should snap when you break it apart.
Next, put the bread into a food processor and pulse until you have fine breadcrumbs. If you don't have a good food processor, this Hamilton Beach 12 cup Stack and Snap Food Processor is a great price right now and highly reviewed. Currently, you can get it for $47.99 (reg. $85.39).
Unless I plan to use the breadcrumbs right away, I put them into a new Zip-loc bag and throw them back into the freezer where they will last for up to 6 months.
Homemade breadcrumbs really are simple to make. It also uses up food that you already paid for rather than throwing your money away and it is nice to know that there aren't any fillers or preservatives just bread.
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