Dough-making in a breadmaker

One of the ways I save lots of money is by using my bread machine - but not to make bread.

Instead, I use the dough cycle to mix the ingredients and allow the dough to rise. (In my humid Florida location, often bread doughs don't rise properly.) Then I take the dough out, shape it, and bake it in my regular oven.

Want to try this, but don't have a breadmaker? Check out any thrift shop. You'll probably find lots of abandoned breadmakers, probably because people buy breadmakers and don't like how they bake the bread. I've used my breadmaker to bake bread, and I don't care for the shape that it creates.

I found my breadmaker for $5.00. It was listed for $9.99, but the store was offering 50% off their appliances that day. I still have the price listed on the breadmaker - I never cleaned it off, to remind me of the great deal I got!  Ask to plug in the bread machine before you buy it to make sure that it actually works.

One of the great things about using the breadmaker to make dough is that you can measure out the ingredients ahead of time, then set the timer and go about your day.  When you get home, you'll have fresh dough ready for you!

Here are a few recipe where I use the breadmaker to make the dough:

• Whole-Wheat Pizza Dough
• Challah
• Whole-Wheat French Bread
• Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

I'm hoping to try a few new dough recipes - check Frugal Food Thursday in the next few weeks to see what's worked for me!

For more frugal tips, please check out the bloggers listed on the left sidebar under Frugal Tips Linkups. There are lots of great ideas on each blog and I'm sure you'll find lots of wonderful tips!