Creating a community of bakers with a shared love for delicious homemade bread is a wonderful way to spread joy and warmth. One of the oldest and most endearing traditions is the Amish Friendship Bread Starter. This starter is like a living gift that keeps on giving, allowing you to bake fresh bread and share it with loved ones for years to come. In this article, we’ll show you how to make your own Amish Friendship Bread Starter from scratch. Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will become a beloved tradition in your home.
**Amish Friendship Bread Starter Recipe Printable**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup whole milk
**Instructions:**
1. In a non-metallic bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and milk. Stir well to make a thick paste.
2. Gently cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Do not seal the bowl; the mixture needs air to ferment.
3. Place the bowl in a warm, draft-free location in your kitchen. A temperature of around 70-80°F (21-27°C) is ideal for fermentation.
4. Leave the mixture on the counter for 24 hours. Do not refrigerate during this initial stage.
5. After 24 hours, stir the mixture well. It will have a slightly sour smell and may show small bubbles – this is a sign that fermentation has started.
6. For the next 4-9 days, stir the mixture once a day to aerate it and keep the fermentation process going.
7. On the 10th day, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of whole milk to the mixture. Stir well until smooth.
8. Divide the mixture into four equal parts. Keep one part for yourself to continue the starter, and give the other three parts to friends or family along with the following instructions.
**Instructions for Sharing the Starter:**
1. To each of the three parts you’re giving away, add 1 cup each of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and whole milk.
2. Stir well until smooth.
3. Keep for another 24 hours before giving these four parts to friends along with the instructions, emphasizing the importance of continuing the process.
4. Label the date on the container to remind yourself and others when the starter was last fed.
5. To maintain your portion, follow the same process of stirring and feeding every 4-9 days.
Enjoy the delightful process of cultivating your Amish Friendship Bread Starter and sharing the joy of homemade bread with your loved ones. This starter is not just a recipe – it’s a living tradition that fosters connections and fills homes with the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread. Get ready to embark on this delightful journey and watch as your community of bakers grows along with your friendship bread starter. Happy baking!
