Friendship Bread: Q&A with Author Darien Gee
April 5, 2011 at 12:56 pm , by Lauren Piro
Things are restless in the tiny town of Avalon. A mother grieves a devastating loss as her marriage hangs on by a string. A concert cellist adjusts to her new life away from the big city—and away from her husband. Families deal with money problems, pregnancies and careers, and yet no one’s really talking. That is until Amish friendship bread appears at main character Julia Evarts’s door, sending the townspeople on the emotional ride they’d long been avoiding in Darien Gee’s charming new novel, Friendship Bread, which releases today.
As Darien writes, Amish friendship bread has a reputation for showing up unexpectedly in your life, and is even a bit polarizing. You begin with your own bag of starter, tend to it for ten days and then end up with three more to pass along to friends. Much like a chain letter (but with no ill will intended), the starter grows and grows until it expands your circle of friends—or has them running away when they see you coming with another bag! In Friendship Bread, the loaf is the thread that links the characters’ lives, and Darien has found that this is true in real life as well, having created a large online community of followers and recipe-swappers on Facebook and her website, Friendship Bread Kitchen.
I had the chance to chat with her about all of this last week.
So, tell me how Amish friendship bread found you and inspired your novel.
I’d never heard of Amish friendship bread until about two years ago when my daughter came home with some slices on a plate and a bag of starter. I could just feel it – this was going to be a project! I figured we wouldn’t do it, but then I tried the loaf and was instantly hooked.
By my second or third piece, I saw Julia Evarts in my mind, holding up the bag of starter with a look of reluctance and grief on her face. I started writing the novel that night.
And what about the rest of the characters? There are quite a few of them. And their stories overlap and intertwine throughout the novel.
I write like I’m watching a movie – I don’t really plan my novels out beforehand, so everything came together really organically. When I started the second chapter, Julia’s sister Livvy just came to me like, “Oh! Julia’s got a sister! And oh! They’re not talking anymore!” All of the other characters showed up in the same way, and it was almost like the town of Avalon was actually there and I just got to write about it.
Click “Read More” for more from Darien and the friendship bread recipe!
You’ve created quite the community around Amish Friendship Bread yourself, with a big following on Facebook and your website, Friendship Bread Kitchen.
For the two or three months I spent writing the book, friendship bread really became my life. As I was trying out recipes, I was getting more and more excited, so I started posting recipe variations on Facebook (there’s so much you can do with the starter) and it really grew from there. I joke with my friends that I can find anyone within “six degrees of friendship bread,” and it’s true! We now have over 35,000 people on Facebook and over 100 recipes on Friendship Bread Kitchen.
As I was doing my research, I found that whether people loved or hated the bread, they always had all these wonderful stories. No one could be neutral about it! A woman gave me a bag of starter that came from one that she got in 2006, and I still have it. It’s incredible the stories people have, and that’s why it was fun as the premise of the novel.
What message do you hope readers will take away from the novel?
The bread is really more symbolic than literal. As it makes it’s way through the town and the characters’ lives, it’s really a catalyst for moving and changing. I’d be really happy if other people got the same message – that we’re never alone, and that we’re connected in ways both seen and unseen. There are so many opportunities for good things to come into our lives even when difficult or terrible things have happened. Someone we haven’t even met yet could be waiting to be part of the next chapter of our lives, and we should recognize that and feel excitement about what’s to come.
What is your favorite variation of the friendship bread recipe?
We’ll, even though I’m a chocoholic, I’m a huge fan of the classic cinnamon-sugar loaf that comes with the original instructions. I put in raisins and walnuts, but you can do a lot with many dried fruits or berries. You can even make pancakes, biscotti, scones, and biscuits with the starter, and it’s fun to work on perfecting it.
So tell us, do you have a story about baking with friends and family? Have you made Amish friendship bread? Do you have a favorite recipe? Here’s the original:
AMISH FRIENDSHIP BREAD
Courtesy of Darien Gee and Friendship Bread Kitchen. Check out the FAQ section for more tips and notes.
Amish Friendship Bread starter is passed from one friend or neighbor to another, usually in a Ziploc bag or ceramic container.
Starter Ingredients
1 (0.25 oz) package dry active yeast
¼ cup warm water (110 degrees F)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 cup milk
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in water. Let stand for 10 minutes.
2. In a glass, plastic or ceramic container, combine flour and sugar. Mix thoroughly.
3. Slowly add in milk and dissolved yeast mixture. Cover loosely and let stand at room temperature until bubbly, and then transfer to a plastic bag. This is Day One of the ten-day cycle.
4. For the next 10 days, care for your starter according to the below instructions. Do not refrigerate the starter. It is normal for the batter to rise and ferment. If air gets in the bag, let it out. Do not use a metal bowl or spoon.
Day 1: Do nothing
Days 2 – 5: Mash the bag.
Day 6: Add to the bag 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup milk. Mash the bag.
Days 7 – 9: Mash the bag.
Day 10: Pour entire bag into a nonmetal bowl. Add 1-½ cup flour, 1-½ cup sugar, 1-1/2 cup milk. Measure out 4 separate batters of 1 cup each into four one-gallon plastic bags. Keep one the bags for yourself and give the other bags to three friends along with this recipe.
Baking Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Put the remaining batter in a bowl and add the following:
3 eggs
1 cup oil
1/2 cup milk
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1-½ teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups flour
1-2 boxes instant pudding (any flavor)
1 cup nuts, chopped (optional)
1 cup raisins (optional)
3. Grease two large loaf pans.
4. In a bowl, mix an additional ½ cup sugar and 1-½ tsp cinnamon.
5. Dust the greased pans with sugar/cinnamon mixture.
6. Pour the batter evenly inot the pans and sprinkle the remaining mixture on the top.
7. Bake for one hour or until the bead loosens evenly from the sides and a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.
Categories: Food, Fun, Ladies' Lounge | Tags: books, darien gee, friendship bread, recipes | 87 Comments
87 Responses to “Friendship Bread: Q&A with Author Darien Gee”
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Written on April 5, 2011 at 4:06 pm, by SusieQTpies
Love this book! Thanks for sharing the article today and I hope more people start baking and sharing Amish Friendship Bread!
My sister-in-law is a member of the “I am not a baker” club of America. I’ve encouraged her over the years to bake, her husband and kids want her to bake but she has always said she just can’t do it!
GUESS who is on day 7 of her very first starter? Yes, my sister-in-law! Thanks to Darien & her novel my SIL will be baking, really for the first time, in 3 days!!! I’ve begged her to send me photos!
Thanks for sharing! Susie
Written on April 5, 2011 at 4:36 pm, by Lauren Piro
What a great recipe for her to start with! Thanks for sharing, SusieQ.
Written on April 5, 2011 at 4:45 pm, by Shannon
This book is warm and wonderful, like something out of the oven! Darien is a true gem. I loved the book so much and can’t wait to bake some of the alternatives (not bread) with my starter.
Get the book: read it, love it, share it with a friend…A real winner!!
Written on April 5, 2011 at 4:49 pm, by Lauren Piro
We agree, Shannon – a great book to share with friends. Happy baking!
Written on April 5, 2011 at 5:39 pm, by Rachael
Amish Friendship Bread is so much fun to bake & share with others. Darien has created quite a buzz with her book and the launch of the Friendship Bread Kitchen. It’s exciting to see so many people come together and share their love for this hidden treasure.
Written on April 7, 2011 at 4:48 pm, by Glynis
I look forward to reading this book. Baking has a very special place in my heart. My late grandfather immigrated from Denmark as a child. He came from a long line of bakers. My great grandparents owned a bakery in Denmark and later in America. Grandpa taught me a lot of baking tips while I was growing up. My mom also taught me a lot of baking tips, probably learned from him and his family. I felt truly proud when I was a young adult and my grandpa said my pizza crust & cinnamon rolls were excellent. I guess those years of instruction truly paid off. To this day, I really enjoy baking and the joy it brought us together as a family is always with me.
Written on April 26, 2011 at 12:02 am, by Dayna Cosby
This looks like a very fun and exciting book to read! I love to bake! I have a lot of fond memories of baking with my grandma!
Written on April 26, 2011 at 12:36 am, by April Kofler
I have a Pumpkin Friendship Bread that I have made for years. I started this friendship starter seven days ago and it is doing great, much better then my old recipe. I found the book at Costco and plan on picking up a few sets for Mothers’s day and want to give the books with the starter and a fresh loaf of Friendship bread as a gift.
Written on April 26, 2011 at 2:45 am, by Sarah
I remember my mom getting a starter from a lady at church once when I was younger, and I LOVED the bread. Over the last few years my husband and I have traveled a lot and haven’t been able to just set down roots. We just bought a house and are settling in, and I came across the Friendship Bread Kitchen website, and I was sooo excited. As soon as my kitchen is in order I will begin a starter. I look forward to trying lots of Darien’s recipes that she has posted. I LOVE to bake!! =)
Written on April 26, 2011 at 6:58 am, by Christine
This sound like a great book. I’ll definately have to check it out. I love baking the Amish Friendship Bread for my family and giving it to my friends. Some of them hate to see me coming but most love it! Looking forward to reading your book!
Written on April 26, 2011 at 8:46 am, by Amber
Good book – good bread! I love the regular old original cinnamon the very best, but so many of the variations rock, too. I’m hoping to add more WW and less sugar going forward!
Written on April 26, 2011 at 10:03 am, by Judy
I can’t wait to read the book. I love the original recipe, but I’m looking forward to trying some of the other recipes (pumpkin, almond joy, etc.)
Written on April 26, 2011 at 10:49 am, by kelly claus
I loved the book. Was happy to have the actual starter recipe. I stopped making it years ago but am going to start back up with all these new recipes.
Written on April 26, 2011 at 11:55 am, by Julie Daniel
Such a great book. Makes you happy and hungry at the same time!
Written on April 26, 2011 at 5:00 pm, by Linda and Brianna Whitworth
Would love to read the book! The AFB recipes on Friendship Bread Kitchen site are out of this world! My 10 yr. old daughter and I have tried a few ( some she has done all by herself )they always turn out beautifully. I think there is VERY little one can do to mess them up. If anyone is thinking on making any of these recipes I beg you to not hesitate~ you will not be sorry.
P.S. Was thrilled to learn we could freeze our extra batter, and it was just as good later when we thawed it out and made bread with it! Couldn’t even tell the difference between what was frozen and what wasn’t!!
Written on April 26, 2011 at 10:14 pm, by Paula Hunt
I am totally hooked on making friendship bread. I no longer pass the extras out. (All my friends have some.) I have started baking several different kinds when baking day rolls around. My favorite is butterscotch with butterscotch chips. Have made pancakes, coffee cake, biscuits, bread and muffins. Will try a bundt pan next time.
Written on April 27, 2011 at 12:11 am, by Susan G. Kuhn
I first of all want to thank Darien Gee for writing such a wonderful novel. I also want to thank her for bringing a recipe that my family and I made years and years ago back into our lives. We couldn’t find it anywhere.We searched for years and years and no luck. I finally came upon it on my facebook page through friendship kitchen; While I was making my starter “my science experiment” my husband called it. after it was done i gave my starter bags to my mom, my sister and to my daughter. When I do the next starter I will teach my son how to do it so that when he gets older and marries he can teach his wife and this will be able to be carried on in the family now. I will also be making a recipe book for my mother, sister, 2 neices, and children with all of the different recipe variations. I am so excited and my mom is too. Thank you all for helping me and my mom find a family favorite again. I am so eccstatic. I can’t wait..and guess what she and I are going to bake for everyone for christmas…we get our kids and the adult children and our mom together and usually make cookies but this year it will be a starter and a loaf of bread.
Written on April 27, 2011 at 2:32 pm, by Mary Reed
love the aprons.. so cute.. and the bread is awesome..
Written on April 27, 2011 at 2:34 pm, by Sunshine Kerkenes
Will definitely be buying the book. I first started with a starter kit I received a couple years ago. Was about Christmas time so I was able to share with friends, family and co-workers. Everyone LOVED it. I love the different varitions. The original will be always be my favorite. But there are some close runners up. LOL. Thank you.
Written on April 27, 2011 at 2:38 pm, by Bridget
That is an uplifting story. I just love those soft sweet things in life like this book. It was so nice to read about the background to the book from the author.
Written on April 27, 2011 at 2:40 pm, by Christy Crider
Although I am not a baker, I can’t wait to try out The Friendship Bread recipe. As soon as I read you can share it with three other friends I know who I will be sharing this with.It’s such a sweet gesture to give to someone. I look forward to reading this novel.I have two daughters age 3 & 5 and they being in the kitchen with me when I try and bake cookies. no matter how ugly the cookie turn out we love eating them and we had the best time making them.
Written on April 27, 2011 at 3:10 pm, by Mary Jefferson Rabon
I have wonderful memories of Amish Friendship Bread. My sister gave me a starter from her best friend. It was 1990 and I had just married, and we had a small apartment. I already loved to bake, but this was addictive! I loved putting cherries and coconut in my bread, or made banana bread too! I remember those newlywed days fondly, and this bread was part of it!
Written on April 27, 2011 at 3:13 pm, by Kathy Dust
I just love this bread…several years back a fellow Army wife gave me a starter, and I was hooked. I have to find this book it sounds so good!
Written on April 27, 2011 at 3:38 pm, by Raquel
I’ve been making friendship bread for many years..started in my teens when my grandpa gave me my first starter!
Our whole family was hooked! We moved across country& had to give away all the starters we had frozen, so glad to have found the recipe again& share this with a new community who has no experience with this relationship. Happy Baking!
Written on April 27, 2011 at 3:42 pm, by Dee Sosa
I saw this recipe and never have been successful at keeping it alive. I wanted to try it again, and I got the book and wanted to start all over again. Wish me luck!! Victoria – I love you and Mom is trying hard to recover, you know I love to cook instead of crying or being sad..so here we go!
Written on April 27, 2011 at 3:52 pm, by Denise Peoples
Years ago a friend gave me a jar of starter which I kept going for months. The recipe got lost and I have not had any for years. Then I found your website ‘Friendship Bread Kitchen’. Thank you for sharing recipes and friendship. It is wonderful to be making it again ! : )
Written on April 27, 2011 at 4:03 pm, by Beth Street
Years ago my daughter who was about 10 at the time got a starter from one of her friends and we all fell in love with it and for months I had a bag of starter in various stages on my kitchen counter. It was a fun learning experience for my daughter and a delicious one as well!!
Written on April 27, 2011 at 4:23 pm, by Joni Johnson
I got my first starter from my sister-in-law. We had little money at the time, so fresh bread was such a treat! As time passed, I shared starters with the wives of my husband’s co-workers. We shared some great stories about those to whom they has passed along starters. Even some of those great avoidance stories (like the late-season zucchini…people run and hide!
) ) Unfortunately, we moved to another part of the state, and my starter didn’t make the move. I look forward to getting started (no pun intended!) again someday soon, though!
Written on April 27, 2011 at 5:08 pm, by Sandra Miller
I got my first starter back in the 90′s and am so happy to be able to start it again. I am doing it as a gift to my mom for Mother’s Day. I told her she may hate me after she sees what it is.
Written on April 27, 2011 at 5:50 pm, by Lynn
Looking forward to reading the book…and making a new starter.
Written on April 27, 2011 at 6:29 pm, by Debbie Hammond
My younger daughter (now 23) is a huge Friendship Bread fiend! When I saw your Facebook group, I HAD to contact her. She is a missionary in a foreign country, and I know this is one of the things she’s missed from home. Hopefully she can share Friendship Bread in Eastern Europe now!
Written on April 27, 2011 at 7:04 pm, by Kimberly Ulrich
My sister in CO was the first one to get me hooked on Amish Friendship Bread. Unfortunately when we moved to NE I was unable to bring a starter with me and never pursued getting a starter recipe from her. Earlier this year I discovered the Amish Friendship Bread website and have started making my own bread – so far just the original recipe but eventually I will be trying out some of the other recipes. I am anxious to try the Blueberry w/Lemon Sauce and the Butterscotch w/Butterscotch Chips plus Chocolate Chip Pancakes and some of the muffin and cake recipes. So many to to try …it’s exciting. I have also purchased the book and am anxious to start reading it. I’ve heard so much about it – all positive!
Written on April 27, 2011 at 8:16 pm, by D. Lynn
I love the idea of Friendship bread. We have some Amish roots in our family and I can certainly relate to the book. I like to bake breads and give to friends and family. When I give it to them in the loaf pan first timers will say something like “Oh, let me give you your pan back.” I tell them not to worry about it but if they want to give it back it’s only good luck if they bake something and return it that way. We end up passing the same pan back and forth full when the other least expects it…just like Friendship Bread.
Written on April 27, 2011 at 9:27 pm, by Lynell Mishoe
Can’t wait to read the book. I’m sure I will love it as much as I love Friendship Bread!!!
Written on April 28, 2011 at 5:09 am, by Deborah Russ
Friendship and Friendship bread are wonderful. Looking forward to reading this book, sharing these recipes and the friendship bread. Thank you!!!
Written on April 28, 2011 at 7:27 am, by Dawn
Can not wait to read the book – sounds great! I am hooked on the original recipe
Written on April 28, 2011 at 3:06 pm, by Aimee
Oh fun – maybe I’ll have to use some of my birthday $$ and get this book. I LOVE amish friendship bread! Great post!!
Written on April 28, 2011 at 10:35 pm, by Patty S.
I love the Amish Bread Starter and recipe. It has been years since anyone gave me one, and now that this story has popped up, I will be making my own and giving it out. I first had the recipe when I was working at a hospital, and my then husband was unemployed. The bread recipe was cost efficient and wonderful! Made great waffles, and pancakes, but I did not know how to expand on the recipe. Thanks so much. I will be getting this book for sure
Written on April 29, 2011 at 1:06 am, by Deborah Lawson
I had all but forgotten about friendship bread until coming upon a link to friendship bread kitchen on facebook. I looked into the book and ordered one from Amazon…Now mind you I found out Darien would be doing a book signing 30 minutes from my home. I had my daughter take me, except my book from Amazon had not yet arrived (came the next day) so I bought one at the book store the signing was at. It was an Honor and Pleasure to meet Darin and spend time with her and the others. It only took me 2 days to read Friendship Bread; I could hardly put it down, what a wonderful heart warming story. I am reading it again as well as sharing a book with my daughters and best friend. I even bought one to send to My Stepdaughter to read and share with her daughters and friends. We also plan on sending the one we all read here at home to my sister in Ohio. As we read it and pass-along we will sign, date and share any thoughts about the book inside the front and back pages. OH I almost forgot to mention I made a batch of starter to share as well.
Written on April 29, 2011 at 1:22 am, by Deborah Lawson
in addition to my first Post, I first recieved starter as a young bride and mother to a 5 yr old step daughter, we baked and shared with neighbors the original recipe, I did make muffins and mini loaves then as well. I love the fact there are so many wonderful recipes to use now. Going to try a few ideas of my own as well.
Debbie
Written on April 29, 2011 at 5:17 pm, by Cheryl Totten
I joined the facebook page keep reading about the book. Check it out. I love Culinary books about people and reciepes. so I order it from Amizon will be here in about 3 days as UPS doesn’t delivery on sunday darn it. Can’t wait. I have had friendship bread many years ago. Loved it then haven’t seen it around until FB posting. Now I need to start some and spread it around. Several people I would love to share with. Thanks for bringing back my interest in it.
Written on April 30, 2011 at 7:15 am, by Kathy Strunk
I am looking forward to reading the book. I have TWO batches of starter going at this time. YIKES.
Written on April 30, 2011 at 2:22 pm, by Michaela Holey
Looking forward to wearing these aprons the next time I bake Friendship Bread
…although I rarely win anything!
Blessings to all!
Written on May 1, 2011 at 9:39 pm, by Tracey Slack
Just finished the book last night and am excited for my daughters and I to start some Friendship bread!
Written on May 2, 2011 at 1:28 pm, by Saundra Huiras
Just finished the book a couple of days ago and my daughter and I passed out some bags of starter today! This is such a wonderful new way to connect with others.
Written on May 2, 2011 at 1:41 pm, by Jessica Marinaccio
I received this book and was so excited to make this but unfortunatley i failed with 2 rounds of starter. I think its my oven sniff sniff but i wont give up my 3 yr old twins even helped me – hmmmm can i blame it on her lol. I love this idea though to spread the love.
Written on May 2, 2011 at 1:46 pm, by Lisa Gonsalez
Thanks for the recipe..My grandmother got me started on this back in 1989..have since lost my grandmother and the recipe..Ready to make some with my granddaughter.
Written on May 2, 2011 at 1:49 pm, by Laura Green
My Mother gave me a start several years ago and I have been making it ever since. My kids love it, it’s sooooo easy and enjoyable to make. Everyone should have a friend with a starter. Looking forward to reading the book!
Written on May 2, 2011 at 1:52 pm, by Carolyn Miller
I love this book and the bread – we have quite a few of our friends using the starters now!
Written on May 2, 2011 at 1:57 pm, by sara Lawrence
I recieved a starter about 3 mos ago and my youngest Daughter Kim ( 10 ) wanted to help. Every morning before doing anything else she would go to the bag of starter and squeeze it and then mark down the day and tell me how many more days till we could bake it.When day 10 finally arrived she was so excited to bake, after we took the bread out and let it cool she gave her 2 older sisters and her father some to try. Everyone was hooked. Kim got the idea of sharing the baked bread as well as the starter so every 10 days she and I bake and we take it to her school to share or to families that can’t bake anymore. Thank you for giving Kim and I one more loving thing to do together. I have ordered the book as a birthday gift for us to have and one day maybe she will be making friendship bread with her own children.
Written on May 2, 2011 at 2:02 pm, by BETTY
Looking forward to getting the book in at my bookstore. Hope to get my grandson involved making the starter and baking AFB together
Written on May 2, 2011 at 2:04 pm, by Dina Anderson
Love the book, can’t wait to share with my daughters.
Written on May 2, 2011 at 2:42 pm, by Deborah
I just love friendship bread! My recipe is different, and maybe easier though, and we end up making 2 breads and having 2 starters left over. I also have made variations while experimenting, and figured out how to make a starter. Since moving many times over the years, it has been a great way to gift to neighbors. Everyone in the WORLD should be able to try friendship bread!
Written on May 2, 2011 at 5:43 pm, by Viviane
Several years ago I was given the starter and time was something that I didn’t have much of, I did try it. I loved the bread but couldn’t find people to take the starter. So, I baked it all up and gave it away. Now I can make my own starter and have some great recipes to try PLUS I do have more time now. So I am at it again. Day 3 on the starter.
Written on May 2, 2011 at 7:32 pm, by Sharla
I have used this starter off & on for probably the last 15 yrs or so (or longer). Anytime I have a chance to, I get a starter from friends. I have some going now. I don’t really give much starter away, I usually save out 1 cup for myself and mix the rest up! Your book sounds interesting!
Written on May 2, 2011 at 9:08 pm, by JoLynn
Don’t be afraid to try lots of different variations!!!
Written on May 3, 2011 at 10:41 am, by Dawn Hanson
I love friendship bread it is so versitale! I make it into several kinds of muffins and they are gone in a snap! I am going to order the book.
Written on May 4, 2011 at 2:19 am, by Dee Young
Can’t wait to get the book and to begin a starter batch of this Bread – I smell it baking right now!
Written on May 5, 2011 at 10:48 am, by Kelli Klein
I have made Amish Friendship Bread and my family loved it. I gave away all my starter because I was going on vacation and could not care for it, so my next plan is to start some more, then pass it on. It’s a great way to create friendships.
Written on May 5, 2011 at 10:50 am, by Dawn
Here is my story! A friend of mines mother gave me my starter. She brought it to me at a game infront of 5 of my other girl friends. Needless to say I was harped on for the entire mashing process by my friend Beth…to bring her a loaf of her very own. So when it was ready to go…my 3 yr.old daughter and I headed to the kitchen, and began the process of making memories! I took pictures of her little hands adding the flour and other ingredients to the bowl and sent them to my friend! So not only did she get a friendship loaf she got all the love and wonder added to the recipe by a 3yr old chef,
!
Written on May 5, 2011 at 10:52 am, by Starlia
I first started making friendship bread when I was a little girl. It was a big thing amongst my family. (the women) and the ladies in our church. There was always a starter floating around and everyone loved tasting the different varieties. When I got older and married and moved away I lost my final starter when our home burned down. I was pleased when I got this book and started reading and made my first new batch of starter. Then choosing 3 friends to give it too. It’s floating around our town again. My grandmother would be proud of all the hours we spent together. I am now spending with my own daughter. My favorite will always be the banana nut bread with a touch of cinnamon.
Written on May 5, 2011 at 10:53 am, by Tressa Stewart
Getting a copy of the book for a friend with the starter recipe too. Can’t wait to bake the Friendship Bread
Written on May 5, 2011 at 11:01 am, by Risa Utley
I used to make this years ago. But I never had recipe for the starter so I couldn’t make it again now I can!
Written on May 5, 2011 at 11:02 am, by Pam LaPradd
I havn’t made Friendship bread in a long time. I just bought the novel from Amazon, and started reading right away…. Love it…..
Written on May 5, 2011 at 11:02 am, by Cynthia Collins
Love, love, love this recipe. Making bread is my time for myself. Eating it is our family time!!
Written on May 5, 2011 at 11:04 am, by Kirsty
I received the starter I use now 2 years ago from a friend, and my family and friends Love it! I have shared it with many and most recently, and ironically with an Amish friend who’d never heard of it! I can’t wait to read the book, and share it to with my friends! Thanks so much!
Written on May 5, 2011 at 11:11 am, by Pam Cresto
Love the book. It has made me re-look at some friendships that I thought were over, and realize that the door was not closed. Very inspiring novel.
Written on May 5, 2011 at 11:16 am, by Karie W.
I’ve made & shared plenty of Amish Friendship Bread! Looking forward to reading the book. I’ve never successfully started a batch, but I do well with what I receive. I especially enjoy it when I am lucky enough to be the one to introduce it to someone who then embraces it. Friendship Bread is more than food, it’s a shared experience.
Written on May 5, 2011 at 11:17 am, by Tami Tyler
I love friendship bread! I can’t wait to read this book too.
Written on May 5, 2011 at 11:23 am, by Kathy T
I love friendsp bread. Reminds me of simpler times of baking with my Mom. Shared memories are always a blessing.
Written on May 5, 2011 at 12:10 pm, by Ida Bevell
Oh my goodness, I made Friendship bread years ago, when my children were small. they are now in their late 40s and mid 50s. My whole family baked it, using different variations. Cinnamon rolls, cheese, pepperoni, garlic, onion and an herb mixture we mixed up and put in it. I am in Florida now. I am going to make my own starter and pass it around to my neighbors. All of them are interested in it. I can’t wait to read the book. Thanks for listening.
Written on May 5, 2011 at 1:59 pm, by SusieQTpies
Great article! I’ve been baking Amish Friendship Bread on and off over the years. Just recently though, thanks to Darien and her Friendship Bread explosion on Facebook, I’ve been baking more, sharing more and having more fun in the kitchen with my daughters! Yum yum!
Written on May 5, 2011 at 2:00 pm, by Tina King
Baking is always fun with friends & family. for my daughters birthday we made princess wand cookies and pirate swords and the kids loved them and we had fun making them the day before. baking brings friends/family closer together. we baked all evening and made cookies and had wine and talked.it was a great evening
baking rocks and i cant wait to try the amish friendship bread next month when my husband comes home from deployment 
Written on May 5, 2011 at 2:10 pm, by peggy singleton
I love to bake and try new items I look forward to trying this I know some friends who have tried it I will be trying the amish friendship bread for my great granddaughters birthday I am sure she will love it thank u so much
Written on May 5, 2011 at 2:12 pm, by Janice
My experience with Friendship Bread was back in the 60′s when it was just called sourdough starter. At that time my dad did the cooking and he only had two recipes. One was for bread and the other for pancakes. I am so excited to see the multiple recipes and can’t wait to get started. I am going to make my own starter and have asked for the book for Mother’s Day. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Written on May 5, 2011 at 2:51 pm, by Jennifer Petty
I made Friendship Bread 15-17 years ago, when my son was becoming a teenager and I just couldn’t seem to fill him up! Though he wasn’t a big bread eater or sweet eater, I made lots of variations that kept him interested (and full). Sometimes, I’d roll the dough out in a rectangle and thickly slather butter and cinnamon-brown sugar on it, then roll it up jellyroll style and cut to make cinnamon rolls. Other times, I’d roll the dough into little balls, then butter and cinnamon-brown sugar and pack in a bundt pan to make monkey bread. He loved it and so did neighbors and church friends!
Written on May 5, 2011 at 3:12 pm, by Joan Carver
My family & I really enjoy Friendship Bread! I love baking and sharing with family, friends and around my neighborhood.
I made this as Christmas gifts for my grandsons’ teachers and they were so thrilled. I usually bake this for holidays, but it is a great any-time bread. Love it!!!
Written on May 5, 2011 at 4:13 pm, by Barbara Powell
I love this bread. Have made it for years now and was so happen when I found the facebook page. So far I haven’t tried any of the others yet but once I have my surgery I am going to make me a starter batch and try some. I just bought the book and as soon as I finish the one I am on that’s the one I’m going to read. Looking forward to reading it. Love the bread it is great.
Written on May 5, 2011 at 4:16 pm, by sharon crisp
I have always tried to get the recipe for friendship bread, I love making bread, had a bread maker till it tore up, when I read this article I saw the starter recipe, and now I am unable to make the break and hopfully I can pass it to other women at church. sourdough starter is what I remember it being called. thanks for the recipe
Written on May 5, 2011 at 5:58 pm, by Betty Jo Martin
For many years I’ve used the liquid friendship bread starter. When I found this recipe on facebook everyone, in my family, was so excited to try it. I still have the other starter but I lean toward this other one. that one is a 30 day
Written on May 5, 2011 at 9:27 pm, by Gaby @ Starting Fresh
I’ve never made friendship bread but after reading the book, I’ve been wanting to bake some. But keeping starter at home will surely be bad for my diet.
My younger brother and I love blueberry muffins. We used to make them when we were young – 5 and 7 years old. We’ve made them over the years and they sort of symbolize a particularly leisurely breakfast. Now that his daughter is 4 years old, I think it’d be fun to make some again.
Written on May 6, 2011 at 9:46 am, by Patricia Rains
Friendship Bread definitely connects you to other people. When we built our house over 10 years ago, I kept a loaf of friendship bread set out for the construction workers and contractors. When they finished the job and were getting ready to leave the site, they expressed how much they were going to miss their daily “fix” of Friendship Bread. My starter is 11 years old now. I have some sourdough starter that is going to celebrate its 20th. birthday in August, and it’s still going strong!
Written on May 6, 2011 at 10:53 am, by Debbie
I was just looking for a recipe to use with my starter and I found the author’s blog . Now i really want to read her novel. I am so glad to get a new recipe for frienship bread. My copy that was included with my gift of starter was ruined because I ued it so much. LOL This is a good article. I had been gifted with starter many years ago by some sweet Morman neighbors. Lost that recipe in a move and now I have one my neighbor gave me. I freeze it when it gets to hot to bake. I am going to make some bread for Mother’s Day. i like to use nutmeg in place of cinnamon and I bake it in a bundt pan. It is so yummy and moist.
Written on May 6, 2011 at 4:49 pm, by K.D. Prettyman
I was just telling the teens at church about Amish Friendship bread – what a coincidence! I’m so happy to see the recipe here to start a new batch and start spreading the Friendship! =)
Written on May 6, 2011 at 10:27 pm, by C. L. Wisdom
Haven’t made any friendship bread in a long time & your article got me excited to go buy the things to start it again & share. Anxious to read the book.
Written on May 7, 2011 at 11:48 am, by shelia claring
Anxious to get the whole book!!
Written on September 17, 2012 at 7:28 am, by icon pack
And where logic?
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