Here we have a classic generational conflict in the kitchen. Your mother-in-law probably belongs to the school of thought that considers bread a gift from God and doesn’t want to throw it away, while you approach it with natural caution.
The truth lies somewhere in between and depends on the condition of the bread. Here’s a quick guide to making the decision:
If your mother-in-law is NOT right (throw the bread away): If you see or smell any of these signs, even the greatest frugality won’t help you:
Mold: As soon as you see even a small white or green spot, the bread is inedible. Mold is like a tree in baked goods—what you see on the surface is just the crown, but the “roots” (the mycelium) have already permeated the entire loaf. Cutting it off won’t help.
Acetone or yeast smell: If the bread smells strange, processes are taking place inside it that can harm your stomach.
“Thinning”: If the crumb is sticky and curls up like a spiderweb when broken, the bread is affected by so-called “bread disease.” Do not eat it under any circumstances!
When is your mother-in-law right (use the bread)?
If the bread is only hard and dry, but clean and smells good, it would be a real shame to throw it away. Stale bread is a raw material in Czech cuisine, not waste.
What can you do with it?
Thicken goulash or soup: Grated stale bread is the best thickener. It gives the dish that typical pub flavor.
Toast or croutons: Fried in lard or baked in the oven with herbs, stale breadcrumbs become fresh again.
Bread in an egg: A classic, quick dinner that tastes best when slightly dried out, as it then absorbs the egg better and doesn’t fall apart.
Homemade breadcrumbs: If the bread is very hard, you can grate it (just be careful not to use too much caraway if you plan to use it in a variety of ways). The bottom line for your peace of mind: If you simply don’t like the bread (it looks stale or smells musty), stick with it and don’t use it. Your health and well-being are more important than saving a penny. However, if it’s rock hard, try making croutons for soup – your mother-in-law will be happy that it wasn’t wasted, and you’ll have a delicious dinner.
Does the bread look more like a “stone slab” or does it already have suspicious discoloration?