Amish Friendship Bread Starter
The Amish Friendship Bread Starter is a delightful and communal tradition that allows you to cultivate a flavorful sourdough base at home. This easy-to-maintain starter is not only a gift from a friend but also becomes a cherished part of your baking routine. Over the span of ten days, you'll nurture this mixture with simple ingredients, creating a vibrant culture perfect for numerous recipes. Whether you share it with friends and family or use it to bake incredible loaves of bread, this starter embodies warmth and togetherness. Follow the steps to keep the cycle going and share the joy of baking with others!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
9 cups (divided into 1 cup increments over the course of 10 days)
Flour
9 cups (divided into 1 cup increments over the course of 10 days)
Milk
9 cups (divided into 1 cup increments over the course of 10 days)
Instructions
1
Day 1: In a large glass or plastic bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of flour, and 1 cup of milk. Stir well with a wooden spoon and cover loosely with a clean dish towel. Place the bowl at room temperature.
2
Day 2: Stir the mixture once with a wooden spoon.
3
Day 3: Stir the mixture once with a wooden spoon.
4
Day 4: Stir the mixture once with a wooden spoon.
5
Day 5: Add 1 cup each of sugar, flour, and milk to the mixture. Stir well.
6
Day 6: Stir the mixture once with a wooden spoon.
7
Day 7: Stir the mixture once with a wooden spoon.
8
Day 8: Stir the mixture once with a wooden spoon.
9
Day 9: Stir the mixture once with a wooden spoon.
10
Day 10: Add another 1 cup each of sugar, flour, and milk, and stir well. Remove 3 cups of the mixture to share with friends, giving each friend 1 cup. Keep the remaining starter for yourself.
11
To maintain your starter, feed it every fifth day with 1 cup each of sugar, flour, and milk. Be sure to print out the feeding instructions for your friends!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amish Friendship Bread Starter?
Amish Friendship Bread Starter is a flavorful sourdough base cultivated over ten days using sugar, flour, and milk, intended to be shared with friends.
How long does the initial starter process take?
The cultivation process for the initial starter takes ten days.
What ingredients are required for this starter?
The recipe requires sugar, flour, and milk, which are added in one-cup increments at specific intervals.
What should I do on Day 1?
On Day 1, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of flour, and 1 cup of milk in a large glass or plastic bowl, stir with a wooden spoon, and cover loosely.
What is the instruction for Day 2?
On Day 2, simply stir the mixture once with a wooden spoon.
What is the instruction for Day 3?
On Day 3, stir the mixture once with a wooden spoon.
What is the instruction for Day 4?
On Day 4, stir the mixture once with a wooden spoon.
What happens on Day 5?
On Day 5, feed the starter by adding 1 cup each of sugar, flour, and milk, then stir well.
What is the instruction for Day 6?
On Day 6, stir the mixture once with a wooden spoon.
What is the instruction for Day 7?
On Day 7, stir the mixture once with a wooden spoon.
What is the instruction for Day 8?
On Day 8, stir the mixture once with a wooden spoon.
What is the instruction for Day 9?
On Day 9, stir the mixture once with a wooden spoon.
What is the final step on Day 10?
On Day 10, add 1 cup each of sugar, flour, and milk and stir well. Then, remove 3 cups to share with friends and keep the rest.
How much starter should I give to each friend?
You should give each friend 1 cup of the starter mixture.
How many friends can I share one batch with?
Based on the recipe, you remove 3 cups to share, allowing you to give 1 cup to each of three friends.
What type of bowl should be used?
Use a large glass or plastic bowl to house the starter.
What kind of spoon is best for stirring?
A wooden spoon is recommended for stirring the starter mixture.
How should the bowl be covered?
The bowl should be covered loosely with a clean dish towel.
At what temperature should the starter be kept?
The starter should be kept at room temperature.
How do I maintain the starter long-term?
To maintain the starter, feed it every fifth day with 1 cup each of sugar, flour, and milk.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe falls under the Sourdough Breads category.
Are there specific feeding instructions for friends?
Yes, it is recommended to print out the feeding instructions to give to your friends along with their starter.
Is this starter used for things other than bread?
Yes, this starter becomes a vibrant culture that is perfect for numerous different recipes.
How many total cups of sugar are used in the 10-day cycle?
According to the ingredient list, up to 9 cups of sugar may be used over the course of the cycle if following the full maintenance routine.
Is the Amish Friendship Bread Starter easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-maintain starter and an easy recipe overall.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is listed as providing 4 servings, referring to the portions of starter created.
What is the main goal of the starter?
The goal is to cultivate a sourdough base while promoting warmth and togetherness through sharing.
Does the starter require refrigeration?
No, the instructions state to keep the bowl at room temperature during the cultivation period.
Can I use a metal spoon?
The instructions specifically call for a wooden spoon, which is traditional for sourdough starters to avoid reactions.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include amish, sourdough starter, friendship bread, homemade bread, baking, and communal cooking.