Use your loaf

20 million loaves of bread are thrown away in New Zealand every year. It’s hard to believe that all of our uneaten crusts, stale slices and mouldy bread could add up to so much waste.

Bread is a staple ingredient but you may find you only ever use it for toast and sandwiches. There are lots of different things you can do with bread, like making our meal in a mug recipe.  It’s sweet and satisfying and your kids can whip up this recipe in a matter of minutes, using whatever you have in the pantry. Our favourite combinations are banana and nutella, and peanut butter and jam.

“Sweet As Meal in a Mug”

Serves: 1
Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 egg
¼ cup milk
½ teaspoon sugar (or honey, maple syrup or golden syrup)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract or cinnamon (optional)
2 slices bread
2 tablespoons spread of your choice (jam, peanut butter, Nutella, honey etc)
1 tablespoon optional add ins: chocolate chips, sliced banana, berries etc

Method:

1. Spread the jam (or other spread) on both slices of bread, then cut into nine squares.
2. Break the egg into a mug, then add the milk, sugar and vanilla. Beat well with a fork.
3. Place the bread pieces in the mug and push it down until it is covered with the egg and milk mixture. If using optional extras, sprinkle them in between the layers of bread.
4. Let it sit for about two minutes to soak up the liquid.
5. Microwave for 90 seconds. If it looks too soft or is too runny at the bottom microwave for another 30 seconds.
6. Eat as is, or top with ice cream, yoghurt, or your favourite sweet sauce. 

Tips:

• For a different version, spread butter on the bread and then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
• To make a savoury version: omit the sugar and vanilla. Instead of a sweet spread, use tomato sauce, relish, chutney or mustard. Layer with your favourite ingredients like ham and cheese, or leftover vegetables.
• Keep your bread in the freezer to stop it going mouldy

For more bread recipes visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz