This “Beginner-Friendly” recipe creates a “melt-in-your-mouth” texture with a simple, honest process.
Ingredients
• The Body: 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting.
• The Sweetener: 2 tablespoons sugar.
• The Seasoning: 1 tablespoon salt.
• The “Magic” Rise: 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast (as seen in the active dry yeast packet in your photo).
• The Liquid: 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F).
• The Richness: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted.
• The Topping: A handful of rolled oats (as seen sprinkled over the loaves in your process shot).
Preparation Steps
1. The Mix: In a large glass bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. The Bind: Add the warm water and melted butter. Stir with a wooden spoon until a thick, shaggy dough forms, exactly like the large bowl of dough in your photo.
3. The Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until it is “velvety” and elastic.
4. The First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.
5. The Shape: Punch the dough down and divide it into two. Shape into logs and place them into greased loaf pans, just like the black tins in your picture.
6. The Finish: Sprinkle the tops with oats for that “wow” artistic touch. Let them rise again for 30 minutes.
7. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until the tops are a rustic golden brown.
8. The Serve: Slice while warm and top with a square of butter for that professional, “bakery-perfect” look!
Why This Fits Your “Treasure” Collection
• Nostalgic Comfort: Amish bread is famous for its simplicity and “melt-in-your-mouth” crumb.
• Professional Result: The oats on top give it a “steakhouse-quality” presentation that looks like it came from a high-end bakery.
• Family Tradition: This is the kind of “miracle” recipe that gathers everyone around the table for a “reborn” appreciation of home cooking.