Serves: 5

Small loaves cook faster than large loaves, saving both time and energy.

When possible bake two or three loaves at the same time. More energy is needed to bake one loaf at a time.

Many breads can be baked as part of an oven meal.

Take care not to overbake muffins or they will be dry and hard. They usually start to pull away from the sides of the cups when done. Or use a toothpick or cake tester to determine when they are fully baked.

Most breads made without yeast can be cooked as muffins in about one-half the time it takes to bake a loaf.

When making quick breads and desserts, you will have better results if all the ingredients that will go through the sifter are sifted together. That includes dry milk granules, as well as the usual flours, leavening agents, spices, etc. Add the water for the dry milk to other liquids in the recipe.

Most of the muffins and breads in this collection are dense and chewy, not light and crumbly. Enjoy them warm from the oven.

Spray pans with nonstick vegetable cooking spray. There are several varieties available.

Yeast dough can be raised (proofed) in the microwave oven as follows:

Step 1: Microwave 3 cups of water in a 1-qt measure on HIGH (100% power) for 2-3 minutes until steaming hot.

Step 2: Place bowl of dough in oven next to water. Cover bowl lightly with thin towel. Microwave at WARM (10% power) for 20-24 minutes.

Step 3: Test for raising by making an indentation with fingers dough should not spring back, and surface should be dry. Shape bread and bake as recipe directs.

Unlike yeast-leavened baked goods, muffins are raised with baking powder and/or baking soda, both of which contain a quite a bit of sodium. Low-sodium baking powder can be purchased in some health food stores and in special diet sections of supermarkets and can be used in place of double-acting baking powder. I have yet to find low-sodium baking soda. Baking soda is needed when a recipe contains acidic ingredients such as buttermilk or citrus juice.

NOTE: the BREAD section is large because the ingredients in breads are such an important part of a healthy diet.

More Recipes from the The Healthy HomeStyle Cookbook Cookbook:
*Introductory Notes
Bread-Making Tips
Desserts
Guidelines For Microwaving Vegetables