Hi Suzanne, I'm so glad to hear this recipe (with your excellent modifications) has been nourishing your friends and family during this difficult time! I believe the old bread soaker originated when thrifty bakers wanted to find a use for bread that was too old to sell. It does add flavor and texture to this recipe, so I would encourage you to keep up the tradition, but if you don't have any old bread around, 1/3 cup (85g) of cooked oatmeal or other grains would likely work fine as a substitute. Be sure to drain and cool the cooked grains well, so they resemble the old bread soaker pictured in part 1. Once you get into the routine of making this bread, you just have to remember to save a slice or two in the freezer to make the old bread soaker the next time around! 

Barb

• Reply