What is Amish friendship bread?

Amish friendship bread is a type of bread that is made from a starter dough that is passed from person to person and nurtured over time.

It is a traditional bread in the Amish community, and is known for its sweet, moist, and slightly tangy flavor. The bread is typically made with a combination of flour, sugar, milk, and yeast, and is often flavored with cinnamon and raisins.

In addition to being a tasty treat, Amish friendship bread is also steeped in tradition and is often given as a symbol of friendship and goodwill.

It is a fun and rewarding bread to make, as the starter must be cared for and nurtured over a period of several days before it is ready to be used in the final bread recipe.

What is the history of Amish friendship bread:

The exact origins of Amish friendship bread are not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the Amish community in the United States. It is thought that the bread was originally passed from person to person as a way to foster friendships and build community ties. The bread is made from a starter dough that is nurtured over time, and as the starter is passed from person to person, so too is the tradition of friendship and community.

In the Amish community, it is customary to give a small portion of the starter dough to a friend or neighbor, along with a copy of the recipe and instructions for making the bread. This allows the recipient to make their own batch of Amish friendship bread, and to pass along a portion of the starter to someone else in turn. In this way, the tradition of Amish friendship bread has been passed down through the generations and has become a beloved part of Amish culture.

Ingredients in Amish friendship bread:

The ingredients for Amish friendship bread vary depending on the specific recipe, but a typical recipe will include:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is typically used, although some recipes may call for a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.
• Sugar: White granulated sugar is most commonly used, although some recipes may call for brown sugar or other sweeteners.
• Milk: Whole milk is typically used, although some recipes may call for low-fat or skim milk.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast is usually used to help the bread rise.
• Eggs: Large eggs are typically used in Amish friendship bread recipes.
• Vanilla extract: This is used for flavor.
• Cinnamon: This spice is used to flavor the bread and is often added to the starter mixture as well as the final dough.
• Raisins: These are often added to the bread for flavor and texture.
  

In addition to these basic ingredients, many recipes also call for ingredients such as butter, oil, and sour cream to add moisture and richness to the bread. Some recipes may also include nuts, fruit, or other flavorings.

Amish friendship bread Nutritional Information:

The nutritional content of Amish friendship bread will depend on the specific recipe and ingredients used. In general, however, Amish friendship bread is a sweet, calorie-dense food that is high in carbohydrates and fat.

A slice of Amish friendship bread made with a standard recipe may contain around 200-250 calories, depending on the size of the slice. It will also contain a significant amount of carbohydrates (usually around 30-40 grams per slice) and a moderate amount of fat (around 8-12 grams per slice).

Here is some general nuitritional information for this bread.

Like most baked goods, Amish friendship bread is not a particularly good source of nutrients such as protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. It is generally considered a treat or dessert, rather than a nutritious meal. As with any food, it is important to enjoy Amish friendship bread in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How to make Amish friendship bread:

Here is a basic recipe for making Amish friendship bread at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Amish friendship bread starter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the starter, 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of milk, 3 eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Add the vegetable oil and 1 1/2 cups of flour, and mix until smooth.
4. Stir in the baking powder and raisins (if using).
5. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once the bread has cooled, slice and serve.

Note: This recipe assumes that you already have a starter for Amish friendship bread. If you don't have a starter, you can use our a recipe online for making your own starter from scratch .