Amish Friendship Breads

A friend from work gave me a bag of Amish Friendship Bread Starter last week. After 10 days of mushing the liquidy bag, building strength on my counter, the result was 2 loaves of sweet bread: Banana Pecan and Cinnamon Raisin, with enough starter to give to three friends.

This was my first time to receive the starter--a sweet mixture of yeast, milk, sugar, and flour. And although I probably won't keep mine going, it's a wonderful idea. After fermenting at room temperature for a bit over a week, it's divided into 4 parts: one to bake with, and 3 to give away. I love the concept of involving friends and family in baking. It's something very personal and satisfying to share. Giving away this bread starter encourages someone to bake who might not do so otherwise, giving them a new experience, expanding their knowledge. Continue for recipe.

Cinnamon Raisin Amish Friendship Bread

1/2 cup Amish starter (at day 10)
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup applesauce
2 eggs
1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 t cinnamon
1/4 t salt
1/4 t baking soda
3/4 t baking powder
1/2 t vanilla
raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Whisk dry ingredients to mix; add rest of ingredients and mix well.
Pour into prepared pans and sprinkle top with cinnamon/sugar mixture if wanted.
Bake for 50-60 min.


Banana Nut Amish Friendship Bread

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup applesauce
1 rounded cup flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
3/4 t baking powder
1/4 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1 t banana extract or vanilla
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 cup Amish starter (Day 10)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Whisk dry ingredients to mix; add rest of ingredients and mix well.
Pour into prepared pans and sprinkle top with cinnamon/sugar mixture if wanted.
Bake for 50-60 min.

**These loaves really lasted a long time, even though they were relatively low-fat. The traditional recipe calls for the addition of a box of instant vanilla pudding. I changed mine around and left this out.