How to make Amish Friendship Bread
Who’d ever think that a loaf of bread would bring so many fiends together? Well let me tell you this is no ordinary bread, and it does take ten days to make. But once you’ve made it I can guarantee you will want to pass it along to another friend.
To start this bread you first have to receive a starter batch from a friend or you can go on the internet to get it. But if you do that then you will be at the start of the friendship bread chain. I received mine from a friend so I started with one of the many batches that were passed along. Once you have your starter batch, it should be in a plastic freezer bag with that days’ date on it.
On this day you really don’t have to do much but take the bag home and mush it to get rid of the air bubbles in the batter. You do this by placing the bag on a flat surface and gently pressing your fingers down on the bag where ever you see bubbles. Repeat this process for the next four days. The batter will begin to ferment.
Now on the fifth day you add one cup of flour, one cup of milk and one cup of sugar. For the next three days you’ll want to repeat the mushing process. If the bag seems to get a little puffy you can open it just a little to let some of the air out.
You’ve now reached the tenth day and it’s time to add another cup of sugar, milk and flour. Once you’ve mixed the final ingredients together in the bag, you’ll then divide the batter into four separate bags of one cup each, leaving the final one in your bag. The other three you’ll give away to three friends. Now if it’s difficult to mix the final mixture in the bag, you can pour it in to a large mixing bowl. Just keep in mind not to use any metal utensils, only wooden or plastic while mixing. Once you’re left with your portion of the batter, you’re ready to adding the rest of the ingredients to finish the bread.
Now add 2/3 cup oil, 3 eggs, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1 to 1 1/2 tsp....