🍞 Amish Homemade Bread: A Delicious Tradition 🍞
📜 History:
Amish Homemade Bread is a beloved staple of the Amish community, known for its simple yet hearty nature. The Amish, a group of traditionalist Christian communities, settled in North America in the 18th century. They brought with them their culinary traditions, which include the art of bread-making. This bread has been passed down through generations, keeping its rustic charm alive.
🥖 Components:
The ingredients for Amish Homemade Bread are basic and wholesome:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 1 packet of active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 1/2 cups of warm water
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
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Proof the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This “proofs” the yeast and ensures it’s active.
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
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Combine Wet and Dry:
- Pour the yeast mixture and vegetable oil into the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
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Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
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Shape the Loaf:
- After the first rise, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. You can use a loaf pan or shape it into a round artisan-style loaf.
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Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough into the pan or onto a baking sheet, cover it again, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
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Preheat and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until it’s golden brown, and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once it’s cool, slice it, and enjoy!
⏱️ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Amish Homemade Bread is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, including rising time. While it does require patience, the result is a delicious, homemade bread with a rich history and a warm, comforting taste that’s worth every minute.
🍞 So, there you have it! Amish Homemade Bread, a delightful tradition that has stood the test of time. Give it a try, and you’ll experience the warmth and flavor of an age-old recipe. Happy baking! 🥖😊
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a standard serving of Amish Homemade Bread:
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice – Approximate Values):
- Calories: 80-100 kcal
- Total Fat: 1-2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.2-0.4 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 150-200 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 0.5-1 gram
- Protein: 2-3 grams
Health Information:
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Low in Fat: Amish Homemade Bread is generally low in fat, making it a heart-healthy choice when consumed in moderation.
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Low in Cholesterol: It contains no cholesterol, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health.
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Moderate in Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on the recipe, but it’s typically moderate. If you have high blood pressure or sodium sensitivity, you may want to monitor your intake.
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Source of Carbohydrates: It provides a source of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy. The fiber content contributes to digestive health.
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Protein: While not a significant source of protein, it does contain some, which is important for muscle and tissue maintenance.
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No Trans Fats: Homemade bread recipes usually do not include trans fats, which are considered unhealthy fats.
Note: The exact nutritional values may vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used. To get the most accurate nutritional information, you can use a nutrition calculator or refer to the packaging of the specific ingredients you use. Additionally, portion size can significantly impact the nutritional content, so be mindful of your serving size.
Amish Homemade Bread, when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, can be a nutritious and delicious addition to your meals.
