FRIENDSHIP BREAD

Starter:
1 c. all purpose flour
1 c. milk
1 c. sugar

To Feed:
2 c. all purpose flour - divided
2 c. milk - divided
2 c. sugar - divided

Bread:
1 c. starter
2/3 c. vegtable oil
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. all purpose flour
1 c. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 c. (6ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips - optional
1 c. chopped walnuts

Confectioners sugar

To make the starter:
In a large non metalic bowl or jar, stir the flour, milk and sugar
with a wooden spoon until smooth. Allow to stand uncovered at room temperature. On days 2,3 and 4, stir atrter but do not cover. On day 5 feed starter by adding 1 cup each of flour, milk and sugar; stir well but do not cover. On days 6,7,8 and 9, stir the starter but do not cover. On day 10, feed the starter with the remaining flour, milk and sugar; stir well.

To make the bread:
Combine 1 cup of the starter, oil, eggs and vanilla in a bowl and mix well. Combine the dry ingredients; stir into the starter mixture just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts. Spoon into two well-greased 8 X 4 X 2 baking pans. Bake at 350^ for 45 to 50 minutes or until the bread tests done. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Dust with confectioners sugar.

yield: 2 loaves. Center of the loaves may dimple slightly.

This is a recipe from an Amish family that was interviewed for a magazine article.

For the remaining starter you keep 1 c. for your self and can give the rest to friend in 1 cup measures with the instructions to feed it when they receive it and on days 5 and 10 the following.

1 c. flour
1 c. milk
1 c. sugar
On day 10 after feeding it use 1 cup and pass the remaining onto friends. If you are unable to use on day 10 I believe that you are to add 1 Tbsp. of sugar that day and then on the 5 day etc. until you are able to use it. This gives the starter something to feed on.

Good Luck with the recipe .