by Angie Pollock

Created on: August 08, 2008   Last Updated: August 15, 2008

Amish Friendship Bread is a delicious and sweet bread that gets passed around from friend to friend. This edible chain letter has a distinguishing taste that can only be attained from a starter. Creating this homemade gift is the giving of our love and time to those we care about.

AMISH FRIENDSHIP BREAD STARTER RECIPE

1 package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees Fahrenheit)

1 cup all purpose flour, sifted
1 cup white sugar
1 cup warm milk (110 degrees Fahrenheit)

Directions:

*Use only plastic or wooden utensils and plastic or glass bowls to make your bread. No metal.

*In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the water for 10 minutes, stir to combine.

*In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Mix thoroughly.

*Slowly stir in the milk and yeast mixture. Cover loosely with plastic wrap.

*This is day one of your Amish Friendship Bread

AMISH FRIENDSHIP BREAD INSTRUCTIONS

Day 1-Receive the starter from a friend (or create your own from above recipe)
Day 2-Stir
Day 3-Stir
Day 4-Stir
Day 5-Add one cup flour, one cup sugar, and one cup milk, mix to combine
Day 6-Stir
Day 7-Stir
Day 8-Stir
Day 9-Stir
Day 10-Add one cup flour, one cup sugar and one cup milk. Mix to combine.
Divide equally into four portions. Place three portions into containers. Give two portions to your friends and keep two portions for yourself. Use one to make your bread and keep one as a new starter batch.

The ten day process is called "feeding" the starter which is done to keep the bread alive.

Keep in mind that these portions will "grow". Allow enough room in the containers for the batter to expand. The batches should be opened at least one daily to allow the gases to release from their containers.

BAKING YOUR AMISH FRIENDSHIP BREAD

Before baking your loaf of bread, you will need to add the following ingredients:

2/3 cup oil
3 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
Nuts and/or raisins (optional)

Combine well by hand. This will create enough mix for two loaves. Grease two loaf pans with butter, sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 325 degrees for one hour. Cool and remove from pans.

A wonderful alternative to the tradition friendship bread recipe above is the Pumpkin Friendship Bread. This pumpkin version is great for giving at holidays to friends and family.

STARTER
1 cup sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup milk

*Combine all of the ingredients and place into a large resealable storage bag.

*Let the bag sit at room temperature for 5 days. Knead the bag five

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