I have been betrayed by Bread Crumbs!!!
I always keep some bread crumbs in my pantry, as most people do, it always useful for filler, breading, etc. and I use it as a key ingredient in my bean burgers. Sometimes I splurge and get the Panko, but I usually just stick to the most generic stuff I can find. Recently I was making some food for a Baby Shower and realized I was out, so in a rush, I went to the convenience store downstairs. All they had was the "Italian-Style" breadcrumbs, with parmesan, herbs, and a crapload of things that I didn't want to feed a bunch of pregnant women. But with time being an issue, I guiltily used the store bought, preservative rich italian. Vowing to never buy it again because of the poop it came with.
Not long after I went to the big chain grocery store to stocked up on supplies, grabbed the good ol' bread crumbs I usually buy as I gave the stink eye to the "italian-style" next to it. And thought to have a look at the ingredients listed on the regular crumbs. And wouldn't you know it. Aside from the flavourings in the italian, all the same preservative and modified hoodads were in my staple crumbs. A little light-headed from this realization, I bolted from the store with a deep sense of betrayal (this is a dramatization) the same betrayal when you realize your mom has been using Knorr's salt and MSG blend. (A.K.A Stock) for the wholesome meals you have been eating since you were a pup.
So where do I turn for fresh breadcrumbs? I tried drying out my own bread, which is not as convenient in a pinch. But then I thought. Why not dry them out in the oven, and then another thought, why not bake them in small cubes like crutons, and then the big daddy of all thoughts. Why not make some killer crutons and grind them up? BAMMM!!! a star is born. With a 3-4 of slices of good quality bread, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper and paprika, baked for 10 min. or less. then a few whizzes in the processor. You have a cup of the most wonderful breadcrumbs that would put any storebought to shame. When I tried it on my next batch of bean burgers, it gave them a wonderful crunch as if they had been slightly breaded as well as a whole new level of flavour. Free of any preserves or mods. Hurray for thinking!!!!
