Thursday, October 15, 2009

Amish Friendship Bread

Did any of you receive a batch of the Amish Friendship Bread that was so popular a few years ago? There was one called Herman that went around the south. Now to get Herman ~ you have to get a starter from a friend. It made four batches. You give two away and kept two for yourself. Use one batch to make several loaves of Friendshipship Bread and keep one for another starter of Herman. Seems Herman is quite popular once he gets started. But you have to keep the love affair going with him or you might lose him. Then you will have to go back to the Amish to get a starter. At least that is what is told. But guess what? I was looking through some of Mom's old recipes and came across Herman. The starter was so simple. 1 cup sugar, one cup plain flour and 1 cup milk. You have to really be faithful to Herman or he might harden his heart. You have to check in on him at least once a day. (Now wouldn't you want your lover to check in at least once a day?) After you get Herman started in a large deep plastic or glass bowl and covered with a cloth ~ all you do is stir him every day for 17 days. On day 18 you do nothing, (Poor Baby ~No one is checking on him on this day.) On days 9, 20, and 21 you have to stir him. On day 22 you stir and add 1 cup sugar, 1 cup plain flour, 1 cup milk. Stir again. Days 23-26 you peek in on Herman and stir him up good. On day 27 you add 1 cup sugar, one cup plain flour and 1 cup milk. You should have about 4 cups of Herman Starter. Now Herman loves to travel. So take 1 cup and give to a friend. Then take another cup and give to another friend. You see, Herman likes to meet people. So keep him going! You will have 2 cups of batches left for yourself. Divide and use one batch to make your Friendship Bread. (I make loaves to give out during the holidays) You can keep the other starter and get Herman going again. I have never gotten Herman started up. Only twice was a starter given to me. But I started Herman four days ago. He will be done in time for the holidays. I got a starter last year and make little loaves with alluminun pans. Just put clear plastic wrap on top and tie a bow around it. Great little gifts to pass out. Include the recipe for a starter. Herman would love that! I have the recipe for the Amish Friendship Bread just in case any one are interested. I know you would love to meet Herman! He's fun to be around. Oh, by the way, DO NOT USE A METAL SPOON TO STIR HIM WITH. He has an allergy or something to metals. I'm not sure what.

2 comments:

Jennifer said...

Great post!! I always wondered about the friendship bread!!

Diana Ferguson said...

Being a southern girl, I know exactly who Herman is! How good that stuff was!!! I am so excited you shared this with us.

My sister and I used to have a starter of this some years ago. Sorry to say I hadn't thought about him in a long time. (frowny face)

I think I'll just have to see what I can do about that!

Thanks again! I'll be back.