Amish Friendship Bread

This starter has become a holiday tradition for us and luckily, starting a batch from scratch isn't hard at all! Once the starter has matured for 10 days you are ready to bake and start gifting!!

To make a brand new starter:
Mix 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) yeast with 1/4 warm water (110 degrees). Allow to sit for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, using all non-metallic bowls/utensils, combine 1 cup flour and 1 cup sugar. Add 1 cup milk. After 10 minutes add the yeast mixture and blend well. Pour into a gallon ziplock bag. Seal the bag - This is day 1.

To mature starter:
Day 1-4: Leaving the starter on the counter at room temperature...Mash bag lightly or swirl jar and release built up gases.
Day 5: Using all non-metallic bowls/utensils, combine 1 cup flour and 1 cup sugar. Add 1 cup milk and starter. *If using jars divide between 2 quart jars.
Day 6-9: Mash bag lightly or swirl jar and release built up gases.
Day 10: Using all non-metallic bowls/utensils, combine 1 cup flour and 1 cup sugar. Add 1 cup milk and starter.

Use 1 cup of starter to bake 2 loaves of Friendship Bread. Place the remaining 3 cups into separate bags/jars and pass along to friends with these instructions and your favorite friendship bread recipe. (Keep one for yourself and start over on day 1)

Baking the Bread:
1 cup friendship bread starter
1/2 cup oil
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease 2 full sized or 4 mini loaf pans. Combine ingredients adding 1 cup nuts or dried fruit (optional). Pour into lag pans and top with cinnamon sugar. Bake for 30-40 minutes for small pans or 45-50 minutes for large pans or until a toothpick comes out clean.

***starter may be refrigerated or frozen to delay maturation process.