Baking Off-Grid in Celebration of World Baking Day
Delicious Homestead Recipes for the Self-Sufficient
HOLIDAYSAPOCALYPSE KITCHENFOOD STORAGE
Stephanie
5/12/20245 min read
Introduction
World Baking Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by exploring the art of baking in an off-grid setting? Whether you're an off-grid homesteader or a survivalist preparing for the unexpected, knowing how to bake bread, cookies, crackers, pie, and more using homegrown grains can be a game-changer. In this post, we'll dive into the world of off-grid baking and share simple recipes for each grain that can be baked in a wood oven or Dutch oven over a fire. We'll also discuss the best manual, non-electric grain mills for homesteaders and other essential tools for baking these delicious treats off-grid.
Grains for Off-Grid Baking
When it comes to off-grid baking, having a variety of grains at your disposal is essential. Let's explore some popular homegrown grains that can be milled into flour for baking:
1. Wheat
Wheat is a versatile grain that can be grown in many climates. It's the go-to grain for baking bread, and with a manual grain mill, you can easily transform your homegrown wheat into fresh flour. Here's a simple recipe for off-grid wheat bread:
Ingredients:
4 cups freshly milled wheat flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons dry yeast
2 cups warm water
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for 1-2 hours.
Preheat your wood oven or Dutch oven over a fire.
Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased baking pan or Dutch oven.
Cover the pan with a lid or foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid or foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
Let the bread cool before slicing and enjoying!
2. Oats
Oats are another fantastic grain for off-grid baking. They can be used in cookies, granola bars, and even pie crusts. Here's a simple recipe for off-grid oatmeal cookies:
Ingredients:
2 cups freshly milled oat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, honey/maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
Stir in the rolled oats and raisins/chocolate chips (if using).
Preheat your wood oven or Dutch oven over a fire.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased baking sheet or Dutch oven.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cookies are golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool before indulging in their deliciousness!
3. Quinoa
Quinoa is a protein-packed grain that can add a nutritious twist to your off-grid baking. Try using quinoa flour in homemade crackers for a wholesome snack. Here's a simple recipe for off-grid quinoa crackers:
Ingredients:
2 cups freshly milled quinoa flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup water
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sea salt
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the quinoa flour, salt, and baking powder.
Add the olive oil and water to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Preheat your wood oven or Dutch oven over a fire.
Divide the dough into two equal portions.
Roll out each portion on a floured surface until it's about 1/8 inch thick.
Cut the dough into desired shapes and place them on a greased baking sheet or Dutch oven.
Sprinkle optional toppings on the crackers.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crackers are golden brown and crispy.
Allow the crackers to cool before enjoying their satisfying crunch!
4. Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a gluten-free grain that can be used in a variety of off-grid baking recipes, including pancakes and pie crusts. Here's a simple recipe for off-grid buckwheat pancakes:
Ingredients:
1 cup freshly milled buckwheat flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together the buckwheat flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter/oil.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Preheat a griddle or frying pan over a fire.
Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another minute or until golden brown.
Stack the pancakes and serve them with your favorite toppings.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast with these delicious buckwheat pancakes!
Essential Tools for Off-Grid Baking
In addition to homegrown grains and a manual grain mill, there are a few essential tools that off-grid bakers should have:
1. Wood Oven or Dutch Oven
A wood oven or Dutch oven is a must-have for off-grid baking. These versatile cooking vessels can be used to bake bread, cookies, crackers, and more over an open fire.
2. Mixing Bowls and Utensils
Invest in a set of sturdy mixing bowls and utensils for preparing your off-grid recipes. Look for options made from durable materials like stainless steel or silicone.
3. Baking Pans and Sheets
Whether you're baking bread or cookies, having a selection of baking pans and sheets is essential. Opt for cast iron pans or stainless steel baking sheets that can withstand high heat.
4. Cooling Racks
After baking your delicious treats, allow them to cool on a sturdy cooling rack. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
5. Oven Thermometer
Since off-grid ovens can have varying temperatures, it's helpful to have an oven thermometer to ensure your baked goods cook evenly.
6. Baking Mitts or Gloves
Protect your hands from the heat of the oven and fire with heat-resistant baking mitts or gloves. Safety should always be a priority.
7. Storage Containers
Once your off-grid treats are baked and cooled, store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh for longer. Mason jars or metal tins work well for this purpose.
The Best Manual Grain Mills for Homesteaders
When it comes to milling your homegrown grains into flour, having a reliable manual grain mill is crucial. Here are a few top recommendations:
1. WonderMill Junior Deluxe
The WonderMill Junior Deluxe is a versatile manual grain mill that can handle a variety of grains, including wheat, oats, quinoa, and buckwheat. It's sturdy, easy to use, and produces fine flour.
2. Country Living Grain Mill
The Country Living Grain Mill is a popular choice among homesteaders. It's built to last, can grind a wide range of grains, and offers a consistent grind for baking needs.
https://www.countrylivinggrainmills.com/products/grain-mill/
3. KoMo Classic Grain Mill
The KoMo Classic Grain Mill is a beautifully crafted mill that grinds grains efficiently and quietly. It's made of solid beechwood and comes with a 12-year warranty.
4. Quaker City Grain Mill
The Quaker City Hand-Cranked Grain Mill is a reliable and affordable option for homesteaders. It's easy to use, compact, and can grind various grains into fine flour.
Conclusion
Baking off-grid can be a rewarding and delicious experience, especially when you're using flour milled from your homegrown grains. Whether you're an off-grid homesteader or a survivalist preparing for the unexpected, these simple recipes for bread, cookies, crackers, and pie will satisfy your cravings. Don't forget to invest in the best manual grain mill for your needs and gather the essential tools for off-grid baking. So, fire up your wood oven or Dutch oven, mill your grains, and enjoy the delightful taste of self-sufficiency!