Reviving Old Bread: A Cultural Connection

Wasting food is something that deeply troubles me. It's a reality I witness frequently in grocery stores, eateries, and even in households. For instance, consider the half-eaten sandwich that ends up in the trash.

Bread, in particular, holds a special significance for me. Throughout my life, I’ve heard family members emphasize its importance. Globally, bread is revered across various cultures, symbolizing everything from tradition and religion to resilience in the face of hardship. It embodies the essence of humanity—representing nourishment, conflict, and tranquility. Despite its simplicity, made from just flour, water, salt, and yeast, bread offers remarkable nutritional benefits. However, it’s heartbreaking to know that many people around the world lack access to it.

Given this backdrop, my family has always had a tradition of finding ways to use stale bread instead of discarding it.

The simplest recipe I've come to love is perfect for those of us who aren't culinary experts—yet! To breathe new life into hard bread, simply take the stale pieces, place them in a bowl with milk, and soften them with your hands. It's a wonderfully therapeutic experience; working with the bread connects you to nature in a unique way. You can enhance this mixture by adding apple slices, raisins, nuts, or any leftover ingredients you have.

Next, transfer the mixture into small cups and bake it in the oven for about 30 minutes. The result is a deliciously sweet bread that makes for a delightful side dish to any meal.

By doing this, not only will you feel accomplished, but you'll also be honoring various cultures and acknowledging those who face food scarcity. It’s a small yet meaningful way to engage with humanity.

Thank you to Trista Signe Ainsworth and Lorena Sharing Randomly for inspiring this piece.

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