Today, I want to share with you a recipe that has been passed down among the Amish community for generations. It’s called Amish Friendship Bread and it’s a delicious, sweet bread that is perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones. This bread is unique in that it uses a starter that is passed from person to person, creating a bond among those who share it.
Starting the Starter
To make the starter, you’ll need 1 packet of dry active yeast, 1/4 cup of warm water, and 1 cup of all-purpose flour and sugar. Mix the yeast and warm water together until the yeast is dissolved and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. In another bowl, mix the flour and sugar together. Combine the yeast mixture with the flour mixture and stir well. Cover with a cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours. The mixture will become bubbly and may even overflow the bowl, so be sure to use a large bowl.
Sharing the Joy
Once you have the starter, you can make the bread. To make one loaf of bread, you’ll need 1 cup of the starter, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of oil, 3 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
In a large bowl, mix the sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the starter, milk, and oil. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir well. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 1 hour.
This recipe is meant to be shared, so once you’ve made your first loaf of bread, you can share the remaining starter with friends. Simply divide the starter into 1 cup portions and give them away to anyone who wants to make the bread. The starter can be kept in the refrigerator and will last for up to 10 days, but be sure to use it before it starts to smell sour.
Variations
One of the great things about Amish Friendship Bread is that there are so many ways to vary the recipe. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter for a different flavor. You can also use the starter to make other baked goods like muffins or coffee cake.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious bread with your friends and loved ones. It’s a wonderful way to connect with others and create a sense of community. Plus, it tastes pretty great too!
