We’re all looking for ways to economise and reduce our weekly shopping bill as well as to maintain our health by eating nourishing foods. Unfortunately the healthiest options are often the most expensive, and this is certainly true when it comes to bread.

Investing in a breadmaker will certainly help you cut costs and develop a new craft, especially if you enjoy luxury breads packed with the goodness of seeds and nuts, for example.

Today’s breadmakers are also fairly versatile, allowing you to make mix cookie dough or pizza bases, and you can enjoy different types of fresh bread according to your weekly requirements.

If you have particular dietary needs, then baking your own bread is ideal as you can have full control over the ingredients, eliminating artificial additives and limiting sugar, salt and fats if you choose to do so. What’s more, your home will be filled with the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread, and that can’t be bad.

Some machines have a ‘quick bake’ facility so that your bread is ready to eat in a fraction of the time. Others will keep your loaf warm for a set period of time, which is attractive if you’d like to return home from work to a slice of fresh, warm bread and jam and a cup of tea or coffee.

Finally, check the size and shape of the breadmaking tin before you buy so that you’re baking the right sized loaf for your family’s requirements – there’s nothing more frustrating than not having enough bread to go round.

Once you’ve got to grips with your new breadmaker, why not try some adventurous recipes – Sundried Tomato and Olive bread with a hint of Pesto is the ideal accompaniment to Italian food, and a rustic Rosemary and Potato loaf makes the perfect partner to a chunky winter soup or Cottage Pie.

Honey and Flaxseed bread is great for the digestion whilst a slice of whole wheat bread enriched with fruit and nuts makes a delicious teatime treat.

For other craft information, try Devon & Cornwall Online.