How to Make a Starter for Amish Friendship Bread

Are you feeling a bit adventurous in the kitchen? Looking to flex your culinary skills with something new and exciting? Why not try making a starter for Amish Friendship Bread!

Amish Friendship Bread is a type of sweet, sourdough-style bread that’s made with a starter that’s been passed along from person to person – hence the “friendship” aspect. Not only is the bread itself delicious, but making the starter is a fun and unique experience that’s perfect for those who love to experiment with new recipes. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients to get started!

What is Amish Friendship Bread Starter?

If you fancy delicious homemade bread, then you should consider making Amish friendship bread starter. This is a type of sourdough bread that has gained popularity over the years. The recipe originated from the Amish community, and it has since spread throughout the world.

Here, we will go over the necessary steps on how to make a starter for Amish friendship bread. Your starter is the foundation of the whole process, and it’s what gives your bread that unique sour flavor.

Ingredients You Need for Amish Friendship Bread Starter

Making your starter is very simple, and you only need a few staple ingredients, including all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and milk. You will also need a large non-metallic bowl, measuring cups, and utensils.

Steps on How to Make a Starter for Amish Friendship Bread

Now that you have your ingredients ready let’s dive into the process of making a starter. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Combine Sugar and Milk

Mix 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of milk in your large non-metallic bowl. You can use any milk you prefer, whether it’s skim, whole, or even plant-based milk, as long as it’s unsweetened.

Step 2: Add Flour

Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the mixture and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Make sure to mix thoroughly, ensuring you don’t leave any flour lumps.

Step 3: Cover the Bowl

Cover the bowl loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Make sure to leave some room for air to flow in and out of the container.

Step 4: Wait for 24 Hours

Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 24 hours. During this time, the starter will start to ferment, and you might notice bubbles in the mixture.

Step 5: Add More Ingredients

After 24 hours, add another cup of milk, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and one cup of granulated sugar to the starter. Mix thoroughly until smooth, cover it again and let it sit at room temperature for another 24 hours.

Step 6: Feed your Starter

On the fifth day, your starter will be ready for use. Depending on the recipe, you either use it directly or feed it again. To feed your starter, remove one cup of the mixture, and discard the rest. Follow the same process in step 5, adding more flour, milk, and sugar to the remaining mixture.

Step 7: Store the Starter

You can store your starter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You should feed it every ten days to maintain its freshness.

Tips for Making a Good Amish Friendship Bread Starter

There are a few things to keep in mind when making your starter, including:

Use the Right Milk

Make sure to use unsweetened milk and avoid ultra-high-temperature (UHT) pasteurized milk as it might affect the fermentation process.

Follow the Recipe

Follow the recipe diligently, and don’t skip any steps, as this can significantly affect the outcome.

Maintain your Starter

Be consistent in feeding your starter every ten days, even if you don’t make bread. This ensures that your starter remains healthy and active.

Store in the Right Container

Use an airtight container to store your starter, and ensure it’s not too small to allow room for expansion.

Final Thoughts

Making a starter for Amish friendship bread is a simple process that anyone can do, regardless of their experience in baking. The key is to be patient and consistent in feeding your starter. Enjoy the experience and experiment with different recipes to create that perfect loaf of homemade bread.

Preparing the Starter

Now that you understand the basics of Amish Friendship Bread, it’s time to start preparing your starter. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start making your starter, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. You’ll need flour, sugar, milk, and yeast. It’s important to use fresh ingredients to ensure the best results.

Mixing the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine one cup of flour, one cup of sugar, and one cup of milk. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Adding the Yeast

Once the flour, sugar, and milk are mixed, it’s time to add the yeast. Sprinkle one package of active dry yeast on top of the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes. The yeast should start to foam on top of the mixture.

Stirring the Mixture

After the yeast has foamed up, give the mixture a good stir. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed well.

Dividing and Sharing the Starter

This recipe makes enough starter for four loaves of Amish Friendship Bread. You’ll need to divide the starter into four equal parts and share them with friends. Be sure to explain the recipe and how to care for the starter.

Storing the Starter

If you’re not ready to bake the bread right away, the starter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to ten days. Just be sure to stir it every couple of days to keep it fresh.

Caring for the Starter

To keep the starter well-fed and active, you’ll need to add one cup of flour, one cup of sugar, and one cup of milk to it every five days. Stir the mixture well and let it sit at room temperature.

Using the Starter

When you’re ready to bake your first loaf of Amish Friendship Bread, you’ll need to use one cup of the starter. Mix it with the remaining bread ingredients and follow the recipe to bake the bread.

Variations

While the traditional Amish Friendship Bread recipe is delicious, there are many variations you can try. Add fruits, nuts, spices, or even cocoa powder to create your own unique flavor.

Sharing the Love

Amish Friendship Bread isn’t just a recipe, it’s a way to show you care. Share the starter with loved ones and enjoy the delicious results together.

Ingredients of an Amish Friendship Bread Starter

Creating a starter for Amish Friendship Bread is the first step to enjoying this delicious baked good with your family and friends. The starter forms the basis for creating not just one loaf of bread, but many, and can even be used as a gift. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make your very own Amish Friendship Bread Starter.

All-Purpose Flour

The base of the starter requires 1 cup of all-purpose flour. This flour is a staple in most households and can be found in almost any grocery store. It is important to use regular all-purpose flour as opposed to whole wheat flour, cake flour, or any other type of flour as it will affect the texture of the bread.

Granulated Sugar

The second ingredient in the starter is 1 cup of granulated sugar. You may use white sugar or brown sugar. Using brown sugar for the starter will give a slightly different taste to the bread.

Active Dry Yeast

The starter includes 1 package (or 2-1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast. Yeast is a key ingredient in bread making as it helps it rise. Having active yeast is important so your dough will rise correctly and proof properly.

Milk

You also need 1 cup of milk which allows for moisture in the starter. Whole milk is used widely in recipes, but other types of milk may be used as well, such as almond milk and soy milk.

Plastic Zip Lock Bag or Glass Bowl with Cover

For the vessel to mix all ingredients is important to use a plastic zip lock bag or glass bowl with cover. You need to mix this starter well, and a plastic bag can be sealed and turned to ensure that everything is mixed thoroughly. A glass bowl with cover can be used too.

Once the ingredients are mixed and placed in the bag or container, the starter should be left out on the kitchen counter. Having a special container to mix it in will make it easier to keep track of the feeding schedule and to transport it if necessary. In the next section, we will go through the process of feeding the starter to keep it alive.

Happy Baking!

I hope this article has given you the confidence to make your own starter for Amish Friendship Bread. Remember to have fun experimenting with different flavors and to share this delicious bread with loved ones. Thank you for reading, and make sure to visit us again soon for more tips and tricks on baking. Happy baking!