Here is the recipe for Friendship Bread a.k.a. Amish Sourdough Bread. It's called Friendship Bread as people are known to share their sourdough starter so others can either make their own bread or make more starter to have it on hand.
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours, 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 package active dry yeast (1/4 ounce)
- 1-1/2 cups warm water (110 to 115 degrees)
- 6 to 7 cups flour (divided)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 cup Sourdough Starter*, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Preparation:
Dissolve the yeast in warm water. Stir in 2-1/2 cups flour, salt, sugar and sourdough starter. Combine 2-1/2 cups flour and the baking soda; stir into the sourdough mixture. Keep adding in as much of 1/2 to 1 cup flour as you can, mixing with a spoon.
On a lightly floured surface, knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total). Shape into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Turn once to grease the top and cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled.
Punch down and divide the dough in half. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.
Grease two 9-by-5 inch loaf pans or one large baking sheet for 6-inch round loaves. Shape dough into desired shape. Made X-shaped slashes with sharp knife. Cover and let rise about 1 hour, or until doubled.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake loaves 35 to 40 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
On a lightly floured surface, knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total). Shape into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Turn once to grease the top and cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled.
Punch down and divide the dough in half. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.
Grease two 9-by-5 inch loaf pans or one large baking sheet for 6-inch round loaves. Shape dough into desired shape. Made X-shaped slashes with sharp knife. Cover and let rise about 1 hour, or until doubled.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake loaves 35 to 40 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
