Calories in Bread, Muffins, Rolls
Carbohydrates & Fat Grams

Written by Sky Taylor, Diet Bites

Yummy Bread Recipes

While carbohydrate-restricted diets abound, it's important not to lose sight of the nutritional values required by the human body.

Carbohydrates contain grains.

The Grain Group housed within our healthy Food Pyramid requires more servings than any other to ensure an optimum healthy body.

Without sufficient amounts, the body will suffer - allowing room for fatigue and potential illness.

The base of almost all breads is some type of flour. And, the type that is chosen for the recipe will greatly impact the vitamin and nutrient content.

Let's take a look at one of the easiest breads to prepare - Irish Soda. It requires no rising time and only a few healthy ingredients.

It can be paired with a hearty stew, a savory soup or a rich casserole. If you have about half an hour until meal time, this recipe can be ready and sitting on the table by the time the clock turns off those thirty little minutes.

The baking soda and powder are the rising agents in our ingredient list; we won't require yeast of any sort in order to prepare this quick bread recipe.

For a bigger bread, double the ingredient list but bake at the same 375 degree oven temperature as your would the smaller loaf for about 20 - 30 minutes, depending upon how large you make the recipe.

Ingredients for Irish Soda Bread

1 cup of all purpose flour OR whole wheat if you wish*
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
2 Tablespoons of reduced fat margarine
1 small egg, slightly beaten
1/8 teaspoon of table salt
1/3 cup of skim or low fat milk plus 1/2 teaspoon of white distilled vinegar

Start by adding the vinegar to the milk and allowing to set while you combine the remaining ingredients. It only needs to rest a short time; what you're accomplishing is the preparation of a poor man's buttermilk. If you wish, you can use a reduced fat buttermilk instead.

Combine all of the dry ingredients in one small bowl. Using the tines of a fork, cut in the margarine until the dry mixture resembles a coarse texture.

Add the egg to the buttermilk, then add the liquid to the dry crumbles. Stir until moistened and then roll into a ball and knead for about fifteen seconds using more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.

Place into your baking pan; a baby iron skillet works wonderfully well. Be sure to treat the baking surface with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Brush the top of the bread with a second beaten egg if you wish; this will make a beautiful outer coat and we highly recommend doing such.

For a sweeter bread, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the mix along with 1/4 cup of your favorite chopped nuts and dried fruits. Also add 1/4 cup of brown sugar.

*When whole wheat flour is used instead of the white, you will end-up with a brown Irish Soda Bread.

Nutrition Facts for the Following Breads