first timer

Hey guys,

First time brewing beer. I don't know much, but for my first beer I followed this recipe for an amber ale, which called for 3.5lbs malt syrup/1oz hop pellets, and 3/4 packet fermentation yeast...what i am concerned about is that the recipe says i should let it ferment for only 1 week...I dont buy it and have so far kept it in primary fermentation for 11 days...how much longer would you guys recommend giving the beer until bottling? much appreciated

The only way to really know if your beer is finished fermenting is to take hydrometer readings.

3 weeks until bottling = good beer.

Yes, check with a hydro, but you'll be done with fermentation after 3 weeks 95% of the time, every time.