RS Activity - Homemade Bread and Laundry Soap

Oh, the things we learn at Relief Society activities!  Last Thursday we watched Sis. Leavitt make bread dough with a recipe that only uses food storage items!  We also learned how to make homemade laundry soap and got some tips on building your food storage.  You'll find all the great info below.


Fast, Easy, and Versatile Homemade Bread


6 cups white flour (Lehi Roller Mills brand is great)
3 T. sugar or honey
1 T. salt
2 T. SAF instant yeast (can be purchased at Walmart or any grocery store)
2 T. Liquid Soy Lecithin (can be purchased at Orem Maceys or bakery stores)


Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a mixer.  Add lecithin and water and allow mixer to combine all ingredients slowly.  Turn mixer up and allow to knead dough for about 5 minutes.  Dough should be soft and slightly sticky to the sides of the mixer.  Do NOT add too much flour!


For Bread: Turn out onto a counter sprayed with cooking spray (NOT flour) and shape into a nice round ball.  Cut in half and shape to loaves of bread.  Place in greased pans.  Spray tops with cooking spray and cover; allow to raise approx 20 minutes.  Bake at 375 for 30 minutes.  Brush with butter and cool on wire racks.


For Rolls: Cut into about 32 pieces and pinch to make rolls.  Melt 3/4 cube butter in a sheet pan and turn to coat each roll as you fill the pan.  Cover, allow to raise 20 minutes.  Bake a 375 for 18-20 minutes.  Brush tops with butter.


For Cinnamon Rolls: Roll out into a rectangle and brush with melted butter.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar (add raisins and nuts if desired).  Roll up and cut into 1 inch slices and place in a greased pan.  Allow to raise and bake for 25 minutes.  Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze.


For Pizza Crust: Divide in half and roll out to 2 large crusts.  Place on greased pans to raise briefly and bake for about 10 minutes (poke dough with a fork to avoid bubbling).  Fill with toppings and place back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes.


For Bread Bowls or Round Loaves: Cut into 4 pieces (bread bowls) or cut in half (round loaves).  Shape into balls and place on a greased pan to raise until doubled.  Bake 30 minutes.  Brush with butter.


For Breadsticks: Roll out into a rectangle and cut into strips with a pizza cutter.  Twist or lay flat in a greased pan. Brush with butter and add parmesan, garlic salt, or other seasonings.  Allow to raise and bake for about 20 minutes.  Make dessert sticks by brushing with butter and sprinkling with brown sugar and cinnamon.  Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze when done. 


For Wheat Bread: Substitute 3 cups whole wheat flour for 1/2 of the white. 


Homemade Laundry Soap


1 Bar Fels-Naptha Soap, Grated
1 cup washing soda
1 cup borax


On your stovetop, place grated soap in a large pan with 16 cups (1 gallon) of water and heat until soap melts.  Add washing soda and borax and stir until dissolved.  Remove from heat. 
Pour 16 cups (1 gallon) hot water into a 5 gallon bucket.  Add soap mixture and stir well.  Then add another 2 1/2 gallons of water and stir until well mixed. 
Let the soap sit for about 24 hours; it will congeal into a gel.  Stir the soap thoroughly and fill a smaller container (ie a clean, plastic juice bottle w/ lid) for convenience.  SHAKE before each use.
Use 1/4 cup per load for high efficiency machines and 1/2 cup for regular machines.  This is a low sudsing soap, so you will not see bubbles in the water. 


Homemade Dishwasher Detergent


1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup kosher salt


Place ingredients in storage container with a lid and shake until mixed.  Mixture may eventually clump, so give it a shake before use. 
Use 1 tablespoon per load.  Fill rinse agent compartment with white vinegar.


Food Storage


Follow this link for worksheets to help you get your food storage organized: http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/babysteps/step-3-three-months-of-normal-food/  Click on "3 Month Food Supply Excel Spreadsheet" or "printable forms" further down the page if you don't have or like Excel.


Follow this link for more 'food storage' recipes: http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/recipes/