Amish Friendship Bread

Today is the end of the 10 day process for making the starter for this bread. I wanted to post the recipe and pictures in case any of you want to try it. From this starter I am making Amish Friendship Bread and also "Beth Bread." The Amish Friendship Bread recipe makes two loaves- one for Ben and I and one for my mother-in-law. (Maybe I'll get a few brownie points for that... or should I say bread points) The "Beth Bread" recipe will make three loaves and I will have one for Ben and I and freeze the rest for when baby comes. I still have lots of the starter left over so I put it in a freezer bag and stored it in the freezer. When I get ready to use it again I will put the bag out and let it get to room temperature and then use a cup of it and stick it back in the freezer.

Here's how you make the starter:
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/4 C warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 C all-purpose flour, divided
3 C white sugar, divided
3 C milk

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Let stand 10 minutes. In a 2 quart container (glass, plastic or ceramic- NOT metal) combine 1 C flour and 1 C sugar. Mix thoroughly or flour will lump when milk is added. Slowly stir in 1 C milk and dissolved yeast mixture. Cover loosely and let stand until bubbly. Consider this day 1 of the 10 day cycle. Leave loosely covered at room temperature.
2. On days 2 through 4; stir starter with a spoon. (wooden or plastic spoon) Day 5; stir in 1 C flour, 1 C sugar and 1 C milk. Days 6 through 9; stir only.
3. Day 10; stir in 1 C flour, 1 C sugar and 1 C milk. Remove 1 cup to make your first bread, give 2 C to friends along with your favorite Amish Bread recipe. (or store in freezer) Store the remaining 1 C starter in a container in the refrigerator, or begin the 10 day process over again (beginning with step 2). (The refrigerator cup is if you want to continue having the starter around and feeding it)


Amish Friendship Bread Recipe
By the way, Amish Friendship Bread is a sweet bread... not like for making sandwiches. That's the "Beth Bread" kind. Amish Bread has a very unique taste that is a bit cinnamony and delicious!

1 C starter (after adding day 10 stuff)
1/2 C milk
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

In a separate bowl combine the following dry ingredients and mix well:

2 C flour
1 C sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding
1/2 tsp salt
1 C nuts (optional)

Add dry and wet ingredients. Mix and pour into two well greased and sugared bread pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.