AMISH FRIENDSHIP STARTER
1 c. sugar
1 c. milk
1 c. flour
Combine ingredients in a large, deep glass or plastic container. Cover lightly. If the container has a lid, leave it slightly open, or place a piece of cheesecloth over the container and secure it with a rubber band. Store at room temperature. Stir every day for 17 days. On the 18th day do nothing. On the 19, 20 and 21, stir. On day 22 stir and add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Stir again. On days 23, 24, 25 and 26 stir. On day 27, add 1 cup flour, 1 cup milk and 1 cup sugar. Stir. You should have about 4 cups starter. Give 1 cup each to two friends and keep the remaining two cups for yourself.
Use one in Amish Friendship Bread recipe (which follows) and use the other to keep the starter going. When you give away the starter, include these instructions. How to keep a starter going: Do not refrigerate and do not use a metal spoon when stirring. On day 1 (the day you receive you starter) do nothing. Days, 2 3, and 4, stir. On day 5, stir in 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Pour mixture into large glass mixing bowl; cover lightly. Mixture will rise. On days, 6, 7, 8 and 9, stir. On day 10, stir in 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk and stir. Give 1 cup each to two friends, keeping one cup to make the bread and one cup for your starter.
AMISH FRIENDSHIP BREAD:
1 c. Amish friendship starter (from above recipe)
2/3 c. vegetable oil
2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 - 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, dates, apples, etc. (of your choice)
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Place batter in a well greased and sugared 9x5x3 loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan.
