🍞🥖👩🍳 Sure thing! I’d be happy to provide you with a detailed response about Amish Friendship Bread and Starter.
What is Amish Friendship Bread and Starter?
Amish Friendship Bread is a sweet, cinnamon-flavored bread that’s made from a sourdough starter called “Amish Friendship Bread Starter.” It’s a type of chain letter recipe where you share portions of the starter with friends and family so they can make their own bread, and the cycle continues.
History:
The exact origin of Amish Friendship Bread is a bit mysterious. It’s not actually tied to the Amish community, and the story behind it is more of a modern culinary tradition than a historical one. It gained popularity in the United States in the latter half of the 20th century and became a symbol of community and sharing.
Components:
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Amish Friendship Bread Starter: This is the heart of the recipe. It’s a fermented mixture of flour, sugar, milk, and yeast that captures wild yeast and lactobacilli bacteria. Over time, the starter develops a distinctive tangy flavor.
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Basic Ingredients: The main ingredients for the bread include flour, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional add-ins like cinnamon and vanilla.
Steps to Prepare Amish Friendship Bread:
Day 1: Receive the Starter
- You usually receive a cup of the starter from a friend. If you don’t have a starter, you can make one from scratch with flour, sugar, milk, and yeast.
Days 2-4: Feed the Starter
- Add 1 cup each of flour, sugar, and milk to the starter. Mix well and store in a container with a loose lid or cloth cover. Stir once a day.
Day 5: Divide and Share
- Divide the starter into four portions (each containing 1 cup). Give three portions to friends and keep one for yourself.
Days 6-9: Feed the Starter Again
- Add 1 cup each of flour, sugar, and milk to the remaining starter. Stir once a day.
Day 10: Bake the Bread
- Mix the remaining starter with additional ingredients like eggs, oil, sugar, flour, and flavorings.
- Pour the batter into greased pans and bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 1 hour.
Enjoy!
Time Needed to Prepare:
- The process typically takes 10 days from receiving the starter to baking the bread. Each day requires a few minutes of attention to feed and stir the starter.
- Baking the bread itself takes about an hour.
Amish Friendship Bread is not just a tasty treat; it’s a symbol of community and sharing. Plus, the bread is delicious, with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. 🍞😊👨🍳👩🍳 Enjoy making and sharing it with your friends and family!
Certainly, here are some general nutrition facts and health information for Amish Friendship Bread. Keep in mind that specific values may vary based on the recipe and ingredients used:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving, 1 Slice):
- Calories: 150-200
- Total Fat: 5-8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
- Cholesterol: 15-30 mg
- Sodium: 150-200 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0-1 gram
- Sugars: 15-20 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
Health Information:
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Moderate Calories: Amish Friendship Bread is moderately calorie-dense. The calorie content can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. It’s important to be mindful of portion sizes.
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Moderate Fat: The bread typically contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from oil and eggs. While fat is essential for flavor and texture, consuming it in moderation is advisable for a balanced diet.
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Sugar Content: Amish Friendship Bread tends to be sweet due to the sugar content. The sugar is used in both the starter and the bread batter. It’s advisable to enjoy this bread in moderation, especially if you’re watching your sugar intake.
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Protein and Fiber: The bread provides a small amount of protein and dietary fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
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Sourdough Benefits: The sourdough starter in Amish Friendship Bread can contribute to some health benefits. It contains natural yeast and lactobacilli bacteria, which can aid digestion and may have some probiotic effects.
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Portion Control: Due to its sweetness and calorie content, it’s best to consume Amish Friendship Bread in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Variations: You can make healthier versions of Amish Friendship Bread by using whole-grain flour, reducing sugar, and incorporating healthier fats like olive oil. These modifications can increase the fiber content and improve the overall nutritional profile.
Remember that the nutritional values mentioned here are approximate and can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used. If you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions, it’s a good idea to adjust the recipe accordingly or consult a nutritionist for personalized guidance.
