Bread has once again become the nation’s favourite staple food, with demand up at least 50%, as consumers look to create tasty, healthy and easy meals and snacks at home – from breakfast to supper.
A Whole Loaf of Goodness
Bread has often been a food we turn to in difficult times, thanks to its convenience, versatility and great taste, but did you know that bread also provides many key nutrients to our diet. For example, the bread we eat makes the following contributions to our average daily intake of nutrients:
- 20% of fibre
- 21% of carbohydrate
- 17% of calcium
- 15% of iron
- 16% of thiamine
- 12% of magnesium and folate
- 11% of niacin and zinc
It is also a low-fat source of protein and is low in sugar, with most UK bread usually containing no added sugar.
So, if you are looking for some tasty healthy ways to feed the family, take some inspiration from one of these brilliant bread recipes – Easy Eggy Bread, Luxury Bread and Butter Pudding and Pizza Bread Bites – they are quick, easy and can also be a great way to maximise what is in your fridge and cupboards!
Easy Eggy Bread
For a super speedy lunch that the whole family will enjoy, then why not try this recipe for Easy Eggy Bread?
Serves four
8 slices medium thick white bread
Butter to spread
2 tbsp tomato chutney (optional)
1 (175g) pack wafer thin sliced ham
100g cheddar cheese sliced
3 medium eggs beaten
6 tbsp vegetable oil
Method
Spread the bread with butter and top four slices of bread with tomato chutney, ham and cheese. Sandwich together with the other slices of bread.
Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper and pour into a large shallow dish. Dip the sandwiches one at a time in the egg, turning them until well coated with egg. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan, add the sandwiches two at a time and cook for 2-3mins each side until the egg is golden brown.
Serve hot.
Luxury Bread and Butter Pudding
Looking for a simple sweet treat for the weekend? Then try this luxurious twist on a traditional favourite – guaranteed not to disappoint and will bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Serves six to eight
50g raisins
Zest and juice 1 orange
6 medium slices white bread, crusts removed
40g softened butter
300ml milk
300ml double cream
1 large egg
3 large egg yolks
½ tsp vanilla essence
6 tbsp caster sugar
Mix the raisins, zest and juice together and leave to soak for 10 mins. Preheat the oven to 170C/Fan 150C/325F/Gas Mark 3.
Spread the bread with the butter and cut each slice in half diagonally. Beat the milk, cream, eggs, vanilla and 4 tbsp sugar together.
Lay 4 slices of bread over the base of a 900ml shallow ovenproof dish. Arrange the remaining slices of bread on top, overlapping them slightly. Scatter over the raisins, zest and juice. Pour over the cream mixture and leave to soak for 15 mins.
Scatter over the remaining caster sugar. Place the dish in a large roasting tin and pour boiling water from the kettle to come half way up the outside of the dish. Bake for 35-40mins or until the custard has set in the middle and top is golden brown. Serve hot or warm.
Pizza Bread Bites
Perfect for film nights, children and grown-ups alike will love these quick mini pizzas. They’re perfect for that quick and easy snack and can be made together as a family, before the film starts!
Serves four
4 slices medium thick white or wholemeal bread
1 tbsp tomato chutney or tomato and basil pizza topping
2 tomatoes, sliced
100g/4oz cheddar cheese, sliced
Method
Toast the bread on both sides under a hot grill. Spread the toast on one side with the tomato chutney or sauce. Top with the tomato and cheese slices. Pop under the grill and cook for 2 mins or until the cheese is melted and golden. Cut into triangles and serve hot.
For more bread nutritional information and recipe inspiration, then visit the Federation of Bakers website at www.fob.uk.com
Ends
Notes to Editors:
For further information please contact Cat Cambridge at the Federation of Bakers Press Office on 07919 217 443 or email: fob@ceres-pr.co.uk
About the Federation of Bakers:
The Federation of Bakers Ltd represents the interests of the UK’s largest baking companies who manufacture sliced and wrapped bread, bakery snacks and other bread products.
*The Federation of Bakers members include: Allied Bakeries Limited, Délifrance, Fine Lady Bakeries Limited, Geary’s Bakeries Limited, Jackson’s Bakery Limited, Kerry Ingredients & Flavours, Roberts Bakery, Warburtons Limited and WD Irwin and Sons Limited.