Stale Bread
Discovering that our bread has gone stale happens to everyone. It really makes you mad when you just purchased it, but didn't realize there was a hole in the bag allowing it to become stale. Don't worry, as this can be remedied. Dampen a strip of paper towels, probably about 4, depending on how large your loaf of bread is. The paper towels should be damp and not soaking wet. Place the dampened loaf in loosely secured foil and place in the oven at a medium heat for just 3 to 4 minutes. Some people prefer to dampen the loaf with milk instead of water. This would work well for a sourdough or buttermilk-based loaf.
No More Rock Hard Leftover Rolls
Single servings of bread such as dinner rolls, croissants, hot dog buns, bagels or baguettes don't have to be thrown away if they become stale. Wrap these individually in a damp paper towel and place the product in the microwave for about 10 seconds. You can also put a single bread item in a plastic bag, leave the bag open and heat in the microwave for 5 seconds. Don't over-heat in the microwave as the bread will become rubbery. You can also put the roll or croissant in a dampened brown paper bag and heat in the oven for 3 or 4 minutes. Don't leave this in the oven any longer as the paper bag will dry out and burn.
Morning After Remedy For Donuts and Breakfast Pastries
Those yummy morning pastries like donuts, cupcakes or muffins may be a little stale the second day you have them. Freshen them up by placing individually in the microwave for just 5 to 10 seconds. For a larger group of stale pastries, place them in an appropriately sized casserole dish, then place in a pan of water. Slide this carefully into your oven heated to about 375 degrees F for just 5 minutes. You are steaming the pastries to make them fresh and tasty once again. Enjoy your breakfast.
Waste Not, Want Not
If all else is failed or you really left your bread too long before attempting to freshen it, use it to make stuffing with. The dried bread makes wonderful croutons for salads, stuffing for your turkey or a filling for the family meatloaf. If you don't have time to deal with at that time, break it up and put it in the freezer for when you do need it.
