The Amish are known for their delicious foods made with farm-fresh, wholesome ingredients. You may have enjoyed the fresh homemade bread that is often sold at Amish restaurants and farmer's market stands and wondered if you could make this bread at home. The recipe for Amish bread is simple, and even beginning bakers can successfully make this delectable bread to serve to their friends and family. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Ingredients
To make one loaf of homemade Amish bread, you will need only a few basic ingredients. The first ingredient is one cup of warm water. It is important that the water be the right temperature: if the water is too hot it will kill the yeast; if it is too cold, the water will not activate the yeast. The water must be 110 to 115 degrees F---it will feel warm, but not hot enough to burn you. You will also need 1/3 cup of sugar, 1½ tbsp. (one packet) of active dry yeast, ¾ tbsp. of salt, 2 tbsp. of oil, and 3 cups of flour. Bread flour is recommended, but if that is not available, then regular white flour will work almost as well. You can substitute as much as 1 cup of whole wheat flour for an equal amount of white flour, if you like. You can multiply these quantities to make several loaves at once.
Mixing
Take out a large bowl and add the warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar and then add the yeast, sprinkling it over the sugar water and then stirring to mix it up. The yeast should soon begin to bubble and cloud the water, and then form a foamy mass on top. Now add the oil and salt and stir. Add the flour 1 cup at a time, mixing well between each cup. When all the flour has been added, turn the bread dough out onto a lightly floured board or clean counter. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and feels smooth but resilient.
Rising and Baking
Place the bread dough into a large oiled bowl that will allow room for the dough to expand. Roll the dough around to coat it with oil on all sides and then cover the bowl with a damp dishtowel. Set the bowl in a warm place and allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. It should take about one hour, but colder or warmer temperatures could make the time longer or shorter. When the dough has risen, lightly punch it down in the bowl and knead it for a minute or two. Form the bread dough into a loaf shape and place it in a greased 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan and let it rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes. Bake the loaf at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes. Turn the loaf out onto a wire rack and allow it to cool. Store in an airtight container.
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