Ask a Prepper
  • DIY |
  • Terms of Use |
  • Privacy Policy |
  • Contact
ask a prepper survival every day
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All Articles
  • Editor’s Pick
  • Survival Knowledge
  • How To’s
  • Store
  • About Claude Davis
  • Home
  • All Articles
  • Editor’s Pick
  • Survival Knowledge
  • How To’s
  • Store
  • About Claude Davis
No Result
View All Result
Menu
Ask a Prepper
Search
No Result
View All Result
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Home All Articles
How to Make Amish Sweet Bread

How to Make Amish Sweet Bread

Taylor Roatch by Taylor Roatch
August 8, 2017
23

If you’ve never done it before, making bread can seem a bit daunting, prone to disaster at every turn. It’s not really so bad as all that, though. While it’s obviously more time consuming to make bread from scratch than it is to buy it, learning how could make your life much easier if society as we know it ever collapses.

You see, there’s a reason that bread has been a dietary staple for eons, long before food came from grocery stores. For one, it’s satisfying. Bread fills us up and gives a sense of satiation due to its high carbohydrate content. Carbs, while demonized by today’s fad diets, are a fast way to get energy. It contains many vitamins and minerals we need, too. Bread is also flexible in its formulation. It can be made from the most basic ingredients with little special equipment. Its history traces back to the Stone Age, where tools of all kinds were simple and few and far between.

Related: How To Build an Earthen Oven: DIY Easy Tutorial With Pictures

In today’s society, the art of baking bread has become something of a specialty as bread is so readily available on supermarket shelves. The Amish in many places have maintained their tech-free, non-consumerist lifestyle, and therefore continue to make their own bread. Here are the 5 lost survival lessons I learned from the Amish.

Bread Basics

There are several types of bread, including batter bread, sourdough, and yeast bread. Batter bread is more cake-like and you don’t need to allow it to rise before baking. Sourdough bread uses what’s known as a starter, which you can create by allowing flour and water to ferment, to help the dough rise, creating a loftier bread. Sourdough is an ideal type of bread to make in a SHTF situation because you only need the most basic, easily obtainable ingredients, but starter takes time to properly ferment and you have to continue feeding it so that the fermentation process continues. There is no shortcut, unless you can talk someone into sharing some of their starter, which you’ll still need to feed. The famous Amish Friendship Bread is made using a basic sourdough starter like this, hence the name. Women would share their starter with friends and family. Yeast bread uses, you guessed it, yeast to help raise the dough. We’re making a yeast bread here, but the yeast in this recipe can easily be replaced with a sourdough starter.

The great thing about baking bread is that once you understand the basic science behind it, you can make adjustments to the process and recipes as you see fit. This flexibility makes it a great skill for survival situations.

This particular recipe is great as an all-around bread. You can cut down the sugar some if you’re looking for a more savory bread.

Getting Started

For this yeast-risen Amish sweet bread, you will need the following:

  • 2 cups of warm water (110° F)
  • 2/3 cup granulated white sugar
  • One packet dry active yeast
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 6 cups white flour

Now, time to get down to the business of learning to make Amish sweet bread.

  1. Put sugar and warm water in a bowl, stir until dissolved. Now add the yeast packet. Let it sit until the mixture becomes foamy on the top. This means that the yeast has proofed and it’s ready to bake with. If your yeast doesn’t begin to foam up within about ten minutes, it may not be active anymore, or your water may be too cool or too hot. To get your water at the right temperature without a thermometer, put ½ cup of water in the microwave for one minute and add to the other 1 ½ cups of room temperature water. This should put it at right about the correct temperature, and if that doesn’t work, the yeast is likely no longer active. Yeast doesn’t live forever, so you may need to buy new. Carefully store yeast you’ve bought so that it’s not exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture.amish sweet bread making the dough yeast and water

If you’re using sourdough starter, this step is essentially eliminated and replaced with the creation of the starter. You’d simply add moreliquid and sugar to a measured amount of starter, and then continue on with the directions.

  1. Once the yeast mixture is proofed, add the oil and salt and stir.
  2. Now, you’ll need to add in the flour, but not all at once. Mix it in one cup at a time, making sure it’s well incorporated before adding the next cup.amish sweet bread making the dough1
  3. Put the dough on a floured surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth. Kneading is essentially just smooshing and squeezing the dough, mixing it by hand. making amish sweet breadThis abuse helps give the dough elasticity by stretching the infamous gluten fibers until they become more structured.amish sweet bread loafs 1
  4. Place the dough into an oiled bowl. Turn it over to coat the dough ball with the oil. Now, cover the bowl with a damp cloth. Tea towels or flour sack towels are perfect for this. Leave it to rise until it’s doubled in size. It should take about an hour, but it is really dependent on how active the yeast is and how well suited the environment is for raising bread.
  5. Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal parts.amish sweet bread dough ready for loafs
  6. Form the dough half into a loaf-like shape and place each in a 9×5 loaf pan that has been oiled.amish sweet bread dough in trays
  7. Allow the dough to raise again until it doubles in size, or until it fills the pans.
  8. Bake in a 350° F oven for 30 minutes.
  9. If you’d like, butter the top of each loaf while it’s still hot.
  10. Let the bread cool in the pans for ten minutes or so. Then, remove the bread from the pans by turning them upside down over a baking rack. Turn the bread right-side up and allow it to cool completely.
  11. Slice the bread carefully. This is one of the biggest challenges with satisfying homemade bread. There’s a reason for the expression ‘The greatest thing since sliced bread’. To get neat, non-squashed slices, use a sharp, serrated bread knife, or even employ an electric knife.

Baking bread isn’t as hard as it may seem from the outside. Once you’ve practiced up a bit, it can be simple and rewarding, so long as you’re willing to wait a bit for the fantastic, delicious finished product.

You may also like:

surv md bannerPioneer Recipes That Survived The California Trail

Why Walmart’s are Closing all Over America (video)

Six Primitive Traps For Catching Game In The Woods

10 Long Shelf-Life Canned Foods Every Prepper Should Consider Stockpiling

 

Tags: DIYFood CrisisHow topreparednessreserve foodsurvival
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
ShareTweetPin451

Comments 23

  1. sha says:
    6 years ago

    When you get the dough ready to bake how much dough do you take before you bake the dough. What do you do when you use the starter dough? The same amount of flour? Thanks

    Did you like this comment? 2
    Reply
    • TheSouthernNationalist says:
      6 years ago

      You only need a small lump to keep as a starter.
      Check out James Townsend and Son videos on youtube.
      They are an 18th and 19th century reenactors store and they have some really great videos on bread and a cooking series, preppers can learn a lot from them.

      Did you like this comment? 2
      Reply
    • Homesteader says:
      6 years ago

      Not all breads require a starter like sourdough bread does. The dough made from the recipe is what you bake – simply divide in half, rise, and bake. I’m going to make this recipe either later today or tomorrow. I like simple bread recipes and this one appears to fit the bill.

      Did you like this comment?
      Reply
  2. Jan says:
    6 years ago

    Yes,, this recipe makes two loaves. It is the standard yeast bread recipe found in Betty Crocker, the Sourdough starter/ friendship bread follows. BTW, Sugar is the food for the yeast to grow.

    Did you like this comment?
    Reply
  3. Dave says:
    6 years ago

    Wow! A recipe even this 66 yr old guy can do! Thanks!

    Did you like this comment?
    Reply
    • DD says:
      2 years ago

      Dave, there is an even simpler way of doing this. No kneading involved. Artisan bread is extremely simple to make. I often do it without any sugar just a tsp of salt. If I want sweet bread I use honey. Look up artisan bread by Steve. I often add other ingredients such as onion powder, or some kind of broth to replace some of the water.

      Did you like this comment?
      Reply
  4. Zellie says:
    6 years ago

    Love it, can’t wait to get started, this has been on my list to do for a very long time. I remember my Grandmother and Dad making homemade bread for us when we were young, in the 1950’s/1960’s. Grandma was born in 1905, she made the most delicious cinnamon buns, plus was an excellent all round cook. My Dad took after her.

    Did you like this comment?
    Reply
    • Roch says:
      6 years ago

      There’s nothing like it . The whole house smells like bread ..sooo good and I usually eat a whole loaf with butter lol hard not to ..add your flour gradually ..you might not need the last cup of flour as you’ll be using some for kneading … enjoy!!!

      Did you like this comment?
      Reply
  5. Homesteader says:
    6 years ago

    I made this bread today. It’s flavor reminders us of King’s Hawaiian bread. This recipe is definitely a keeper.

    Did you like this comment?
    Reply
  6. Barbara in SC says:
    6 years ago

    I made this bread yesterday with gluten free flour, turbinado sugar and olive oil. Even though it did not rise enough because of my lack of experience and the age of the yeast, I will be trying again. The process was as easy as making a loaf of bread from a bread mix and the flavor is good.

    Did you like this comment?
    Reply
    • emmer says:
      4 years ago

      gluten free flour doesn’t rise well because it is the 2 gluten-containing proteins in wheat that have the strong bonds to allow the rise. rye also has gluten, but somewhat less and barley has a bit. i would suggest a more neutral oil unless you are specifically wanting an italian style bread.

      Did you like this comment?
      Reply
  7. Junebug says:
    6 years ago

    So happy to have found this site. Many of my recipes have been lost.

    Did you like this comment?
    Reply
    • Barbara in SC says:
      6 years ago

      I know what you mean. Lost so many moving over the years. I am hunting for a Civil War era recipe passed down to my ex-husband’s grandmother. Lemon Cheesecake, 10 eggs, 6 lemons, flour and sugar. The lemons make a clear frosting.

      Did you like this comment?
      Reply
  8. jrh142 says:
    6 years ago

    Can you use oat flour as well?

    Did you like this comment?
    Reply
    • Running Stump says:
      5 years ago

      You can always try it no one says that you can not. It may turn out different than what you expect, but that is how you learn. I once made brownies with Rye flour. It wasn’t all that good but would do in a pinch. I took it to work, and it got eaten, or at least people tried to eat it I did not check the trash cans, so I’m not really sure.

      Did you like this comment?
      Reply
  9. vocalpatriot says:
    5 years ago

    oh my! what a nice pair of buns!! lol

    Did you like this comment?
    Reply
  10. Willie says:
    5 years ago

    Been making bread for 80 years. way to young to stop now. Love yo read of others ideas and recipes. Thanks for this site, very enjoyable. Willa

    Did you like this comment?
    Reply
  11. Willie says:
    5 years ago

    P.S. I am on the Starch diet, and thankfully, Bread is on the menu. I am 89 years old, overweight, and have lost 11# this week I’ll never go back to eat all that food that is so bad for us. I’m never hungry and loosing like crazy. Willa

    Did you like this comment?
    Reply
  12. 1WVBBQueen says:
    4 years ago

    I buy my Yeast in 1 pound packages from Sams Club, and was wondering how much Yeast would I use from my big package equivalent to the 1 package in this recipe???

    Did you like this comment? 2
    Reply
    • dweiss says:
      3 years ago

      2 1/4 tsp

      Did you like this comment?
      Reply
  13. Bruce says:
    3 years ago

    Sorry but Amish wouldn’t use and Electric Knife.

    Did you like this comment? 1
    Reply
  14. MJ says:
    2 years ago

    Can a bread maker be used for this bread??

    Did you like this comment? 1
    Reply
  15. Ben Koger says:
    4 weeks ago

    An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who had been doing a little research on this. And he actually bought me dinner because I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to discuss this topic here on your site.

    Did you like this comment?
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions Terms & Conditions.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

FOLLOW US ON:

PREPPER RECOMMENDS

YOU WILL NOT SURVIVE AN EMP STRIKE WITHOUT THIS

IF YOU SEE THIS PLANT IN YOUR BACKYARD BURN IT IMMEDIATELY

HOW TO GET 295 POUNDS OF EXTRA FOOD FOR JUST $5 A WEEK

THE AWESOME DIY DEVICE THAT TURNS AIR INTO FRESH WATER

5 INGENIOUS WAYS TO REFRIGERATE YOUR FOOD WITHOUT ELECTRICITY

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE INVISIBLE TO LOOTERS

Banner Generator

LATEST ARTICLES

This Is How The Government Is Stopping You From Living Independently

DIY Poor Man’s Greenhouse

Why You Should Put A Silver Coin In Water

7 Stores Where You Can Buy Cheap Survival Food

Essential Survival Know-Hows Modern People Have Forgotten

What Happens If China Becomes The Ruling Economic Power Of The World

How To Treat And Heal Wounds With Sugar

5 Ways To Actually Use FEMA To Your Advantage

Long-Lasting Amish Burgers

How To Get Back Home After An EMP Strike

Why You Should Bury A Trash Can In Your Backyard

6 Signs Your Neighbor Will Become A Looter As Soon As SHTF

Ancient Types Of Homes You Can Build For Cheap

5 Unexpected Events Following An Economic Crisis That No One Talks About

How To Recondition Old Gasoline

Veggies You Only Plant Once And Harvest Forever

20 Prepping Items That Will Skyrocket In Price This Year

How To Use An Old Refrigerator For Survival

6 Places You Can Go Dumpster Diving For Your Prepper Stockpile

Great Depression Foods We Will All Be Eating Again Soon

Prepping Projects From The Bible

When The World Runs Out Of Food, This Is All You Need

Why You Need To Hide Your Harvested Rainwater

Banner Bor

Banner TLW2

The Lost Ways Claude Davis

HOW TO

How To Recondition Old Gasoline

How To Remove Radioactive Particles From Water In Case Of A Nuclear Fallout

How To Make Bread Last For Up To 5 Years

How To Prepare Your Car For SHTF

How To Cook Steak On A Stone In The Wilderness

How To Craft A Deadly Slingshot

How To Make Your Chickens Lay More Eggs

How To Make And Can Evaporated Milk

How To Prepare For The Rising Energy Prices

How To Protect Your Garden From Looting Intruders

Vote for ask a Prepper

YOU CAN ALSO FIND US ON:

Survial Websites Prepper

Banner LSF Hamburger

Copyright © 2014-2023 Ask a Prepper

  • Home
  • All Articles
  • Ask a Prepper
  • About Claude Davis
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2014-2023 Ask a Prepper

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.