Amish Friendship Bread Starter

Here is my recipe for the starter bread and the instructions...

Ingredients for Starter:
1 package active dry yeast
1 cup cup milk
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar

Procedure to make Starter:
Note: DO NOT use metal bowls or spoons and DO NOT refrigerate. Dissolve yeast in small amount of warm water. Mix all ingredients together in an ample sized bowl or jar (it WILL grow). This is Day 1 of the starter.
Day 1: The day you receive the starter - Do nothing.
Day 2, 3, 4: Stir with wooden spoon.
Day 5: Add 1 cup each - flour, sugar, milk. Stir.
Day 6, 7, 8: Stir with wooden spoon.
Day 9: Do nothing.
Day 10: Add 1 cup each - flour, sugar, milk. Stir. Pour into 3 containers (1 cup each). Give 2 containers to friends along with this recipe. Keep 1 cup for yourself.

Note:
When giving starter away, only half fill the container and provide for some ventilation (ie. small hole in top of jar). The starter does expand and unless the gases caused by the fermenting process are allowed to escape, they will build up and could cause the lid of the container to pop off. Store the remaining starter in a container in the refrigerator and begin the 10 day process over again when ready. 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.

To make the bread from starter:
Ingredients:1 cup starter
1 cup oil
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
3 eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Procedure:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into 2 well greased and sugared loaf pans. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until done. Cool 20 minutes before removing from pans.

Amish Friendship Bread Variation I
Ingredients:
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 sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Procedure:
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 more variations, add your favorite dried fruits, nuts and/or chocolate chips. Also experiment using different flavor pudding mixes. Makes 2 loaves

Once you have your starter made, the fun continues! Now you can decide how to present your gift, and to whom it should go! The idea is friendship, and giving, so make it as simple or as complex as you like.

It's always nice to decorate the jar, or ziplock bag you will be giving the starter in. Some nice ribbon, or even stickers, but don't forget the instructions!

You can simply drop one off at a new neighbor's house, or you can add additional items and turn your Amish Friendship Bread Starter into a unique gift, or gift basket, made by YOU!