A sweet from a sweet: the lovely Miss Juelle Summer has
relenquished her favorite holiday recipe for lucky l'etoile
readers!
An Amish tradition, Friendship Bread is an 11 day process
which not only makes a perfect holiday treat, but requires
it's recipe and starter batter to be passed on to the giftee.
Please share this bread with your nearest and dearest - It's
like a chainletter, only more delicious!
STEP 1: MAKE YOUR STARTER
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/4 cup warm water (110*F - 45*F)
1 cups granulated sugar
1 cups all-purpose flour
1 cups warm milk (110*F - 45*F)
To make starter: Dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir
together (using a non-metallic spoon) 1 cup sugar, 1 cup
flour and 1 cup milk in a non-metallic bowl or container.
Add yeast mixture and stir. Put in an one gallon zip lock
bag.
Starter Process:
Day 1: Do nothing
Days 2, 3 and 4: Knead the bag with your hands.
Day 5: Add 1 cup milk, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour.
Days 6, 7, 8 and 9: Knead the bag with your hands.
Day 10: Add 1 cup milk, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour and stir.
Remove 1 cup to make your first bread, give three cups to
friends along with the recipe.
Store the remaining starter in a container in the
refrigerator and begin the 10 day process over again. You
can also freeze this starter in 1 cup measures for later use.
Frozen starter will take at least 3 hours at room
temperature to thaw before using.
STEP 2: BAKE THE BREAD!
Friendship Bread Mix
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 (6-serving size) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup starter
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To make Friendship Bread: Whisk together in a medium
bowl the flour, pudding mix, baking powder, cinnamon, salt
and baking soda; set aside. In large mixing bowl combine
remaining ingredients, mixing well. Stir in the flour mixture,
mixing only until just combined; do not over mix. Pour into
two 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans. Bake at 350*F (175*C) for 50
to 60 minutes. For variations, add your favorite dried fruits,
nuts and/ or chocolate chips.
Makes 2 loaves.
