I’m excited to announce the first (but not last!) Friendship Bread Kitchen Bake and Take!
You may have heard about Bake and Takes in your community, or read about it in my novel, Friendship Bread. Whatever the case, Bake and Takes are a wonderful way to help those in need or to show appreciation for the people in your life.
It sounds like a great idea but who should I give the bread to?
Consider the person who delivers your mail, who drives the carpool, who checks your membership card at the gym, who bags your groceries, who helped you at the hospital when you were sick. The person down the street that you give a wave to every day but have never stopped to say hello. The administration office for the place where you volunteer. The volunteers. The librarians. The men and women who keep our homes, and our countries, safe. Check with your local food bank. Hospice. Senior centers. And don’t forget family and friends–we sometimes take the people closest to us for granted. You can include them, too.
That’s a lot of people! How much baking are we talking about here?
It’s entirely up to you. If you were planning to bake this month, just make an extra batch or two of the bread. The intention behind the Bake and Take is to reach out to someone and show appreciation or offer kindness. That’s all!
How do I begin?
You can do this as a group or on your own. Sit down and spend 10-15 minutes writing down names of people or organizations you are grateful for, or people who have offered you kindness that you’d like to thank them for. If you’re in a group, spend a few minutes sharing your thoughts and stories. Then look at your list again and see which name(s) seem to stand out. If this is the first time you’ve done anything like this (other than for the holidays or classroom/office level baking!), I would recommend only choosing 2 to 4 people to start so it doesn’t become too big a project that overwhelms you.
Once you’ve decided who you’re going to bake for, you need to take a moment to decide what you’re going to bake with your Amish Friendship Bread starter. Fortunately this is where the Friendship Bread Kitchen can help! We have so many recipes to choose from, all of which can be made into loaves, mini loaves, mini Bundt cakes, cupcakes, muffins, biscuits, even cookies! Choose a variation that you think they may like, then choose a baking day. Plan to drop off your gifts the same or following day.
Shopping
When shopping for ingredients, remember that some people have food allergies to nuts, dairy or wheat. Rather than worry about who may have what, I recommend including the Amish Friendship Bread instructions and recipe and indicating the kind of loaf you’ve given them (Lemon Poppyseed or Chocolate Walnut). If for some reason they are unable to eat it, they will be able to pass it on to someone who can.
I’ll be working this next week on printable cards that you can use as gift cards, so check back soon. I know many of you like the friendship quotes I put on the website, so I’ll make a few with our favorite quotes! I also think it’s helpful to include your recipe or the basic Amish Friendship Bread recipes. All of our recipes are easily printable, so please feel free to use them.
If you’re giving the loaves to people you don’t know personally, you don’t need to leave personal information beyond your first name but do let them know why you are thankful for them and why you’re baking for them. Choose packaging such a cellophane gift bags, wax paper bags or foil, Ziploc bags or containers, etc. that does not obligate the recipient to return anything to you. You can dress it up with a simple bow or ribbon!
We’d love to hear your stories!
As you may know by now, we love the real-life stories that come from sharing Amish Friendship Bread! If you choose to share your March Bake and Take story with us at the Kitchen, you’ll be entered into a random drawing for a Friendship Bread Kitchen Baking Box that includes the following goodies:
- 9 x 5 silicone loaf pan
- 9 x 9 Silicone Square Pan
- Two (2) 9-Inch Silicone Round Pans
- 6-Cup Silicone Muffin Pan
- Small Silicone Spatula
- Medium Silicone Spatula
- One nesting 2-quart mixing bowl with pour spout; dishwasher-friendly
- One nesting 3-quart mixing bowl with pour spout; dishwasher-friendly
- One nesting 4-quart mixing bowl with pour spout; dishwasher-friendly
- Choice of hardcover or audio book for Darien’s upcoming novel, Friendship Bread
- $25 Amazon Gift Card
I want to do this!
Terrific! First, leave a comment below stating your intention to be a part of our first Bake and Take. Then come back when you are done to share your story. Remember to include:
- your city and state (or country, if not in the US);
- who you’re baking for;
- why you’re baking for them (what did they do that you’re thankful for? Or why did you choose to bake for them?); and
- what kind of Amish Friendship Bread you gave them.
You can also post pictures of your edible gifts on our wall at Facebook and we’ll add them here (make sure your name matches your post here so we can give you proper credit).
Images from left to right, top to bottom: (c) Tina Butler; (c) Melissa Roell; (c) Melissa Roell
I think this is a great idea. Will there be any other Bake and Takes if I wanted to coordinate it with my girlfriends/extended family/book club/church group/son or daughter’s classroom/office?
The March 2011 Bake and Take runs through Thursday, March 31, 2011. Please check back to see if you are the winner! Other Friendship Bread Kitchen Bake and Takes will be held in June and September.
This contest is now closed. We asked our Kitchen community to vote for their favorites and they chose the winner: Pam Cresto (#10) from Vancouver, Washington! Congratulations, Pam! In second place was Linda & Brianna Whitworth (#6) followed by Veronica Bright (#3). Even though this giveaway originally had only one prize, we’re sending these winners a special Kitchen gift, too! Please email us at fbkitchen{at}gmail{dot}com so we can get your gifts to you! This was such a heartfelt project and we appreciate everyone’s participation.
I want to participate! Thank you.
I want to find out how to begin the starter kit.,
Sorry for the delay Tammy! Did you find the Starter recipe? Here it is http://www.friendshipbreadkitchen.com/amish-friendship-bread
Would love to have you bake with us this month, Tammy! Let us know if you need anything else!
I already told a friend I would bring her a loaf and then I stumbled upon this Bake and Take. I am in Elm Creek Ne. I will be baking for a friend of mine, Denise Heathers. She is just beginning a round of chemo. I’m not sure what kind of bread I will make for her. I’m beginning a batch of starter today.
Sounds wonderful, Paula!
Keep us posted, Paula, and we’ll be sending her good thoughts!
I want to participate. As it has been a while since I have baked I will have to make a new starter. I’m excited about this idea. I just read about it and without paper and pen handy I’ve already made a list of about 5 people that I hope to bake for
I have made and given friendship bread starter for years. My brother-in-law loves to have it when we go to camp every fall so he can bake it. We’ve tried all kinds of different recipes from chocolate with chocolate chips, bananna, butterscotch, almonds, pecans, walnuts, the recipes are endless!
When I start my ‘starter’ I use a pitcher that has the spout on it so I can leave it partially open to let the gases out. The ziplock bags will bust!!
I love baking in the fall to give the bread and a cup of starter to friends. I use the small loaf pans so I can make several loaves at a time and then have leftovers for myself. It’s also very good to make muffins for kids (and husbands) for breakfast!
Would love to have you bake with us this month, Leslie! Keep us posted and we love your pitcher idea!
I’m in! I too have made Friendship bread. I’ve also written about it.
I will make bread for my BFF who has cancer, the postal carrier and also for the seniors at a local nursing home. Can’t wait!!
We love the list, Veronica! Let us know how it goes, and thanks for being a part of our first (but not last!) Bake and Take!
Just perfect! I have been waiting to make my starter until I had some time off during day 10 since my schedule is so crazy. Making the started tomorrow and know exactly who I’m going to share it with and why!
Hi Alyson! Keep us posted, your baking day is a couple days away, yay! Let us know if you need anything!
Oh, you know I’m down for this!
Time to put all this yummy bread to good use. 
You’re fabulous, Rachael! Keep us posted (I know you will!).
My daughter and I want to be part of your first Bake and Take! Let the fun begin!
Our planned receipts:
People from my husbands work~ just because.
2 of my very best friends.
My chiropractor ~ she has helped me so much and besides w/out her I wouldn’t be able to stand long enough to share AFB w/others. Got to give her at least 2 loaves.
A lady from church ~I just want to show my appreciation for her.
My postal carrier~ after the winter we’ve had he deserves it.
My daughter wants to give to an elderly lady we know, her grandma and 2 of her friends from church.
Our list could go on and on. We decided we better stop with the list of recipients we have. Maybe if we finish with this list we’ll start another. Have to keep obtainable goals or we’ll just get to stressed and than this wouldn’t be so much fun.
Dear Linda and Brianna,
We’re THRILLED to have you! And your list is wonderful! So happy to have you doing this together! Keep us posted!
Oh, count me in, this sounds like lots of fun!
We’ve counted you in, Tambra! Check back in and let us know how it goes!
I had already decided to make the starter this weekend sooo this is perfect! I’m in.
Count me in! I have a starter that is ready to go!
This week was the start of CMT testing in the state of Connecticut. For those of you who don’t know, it is state mandated testing. I have taught for the past 12 years in the district where I work. I try to bring in a snack, and I encourage the students to bring in snacks so that they are full of energy and can focus on the test. This year, I have baked friendship bread in various forms and flavors!
On Sunday the starter that I had was ready to be split and baked. Instead of making more starters, I make chocolate muffins, cheesecake muffins with fruit preserves, butterscotch bread, pistachio break, and vanilla bread. I froze the ones that I wasn’t taking in on Monday and will take out something new every night to defrost for the next. So far, it has been a huge success! As so next week, I’m in trouble! I don’t have a starter ready to go!
Denise, this all sounds wonderful and thanks for keeping us posted! Let us know what you decide to do next week, too!
I like to give mine to some of the people I know that no longer have family at home. They are the friends that usually don’t make special treats anymore because they are by themselves. It is very nice to see how much they enjoy getting a special treat.
Pam, this is beautiful! Hope to see you in IL, and let us know how it goes this month with your treats!
Well this is attempt #3. The first two were interrupted by life & by the time I got back to the computer, they had disappeared. I wrote my post first, then just now read your post introducing the Bake & Take. I thought it was already an established custom. I’m delighted to be part of the founding group. I will be baking the original cake for each group as none of them have ever had it before. I’ll give them the recipe for the starter & the cake plus your web link. We’ll see what happens from here. I’ll bake & deliver next week, this weekend is busy already.
My mom is a very giving person & she taught me that when you’re invited to someone’s home for dinner, a party, whatever; you never showed up with empty hands. She was well known for her delicious desserts, especially at Christmas. We’d have a weekend baking marathon, just the 2 of us, and we’d make hundreds of cookies, at least a dozen favorites every year & we’d also try at least one new recipe. As the holidays got closer, she would start making assortments as gifts for friends & family. We officially started eating our share on Christmas Eve after we’d gotten home from church. One year my brother & I got a much earlier start, sneaking cookies whenever possible so that by the time Mom was ready for boxing them up, aprx. 75 % of the cookies were gone….oh did we get in trouble for that one! We never did it again.
Now I have multiple health issues & these past 18 months have been especially hard & my husband was out of work for quite a while last year. These wonderful people did so much to help ease the stress we were under. I have been baking cakes of appreciation for them randomly over the last several years & was already planning on baking again when I saw this post/challenge.
1. My Pastor & his staff for their constant love, prayers, hospital visits & meals; they truly walk their talk of being our brothers & sisters in the Lord.
2. My Doctor& his staff, for their excellence in what they do, their caring & compassion, their friendship & sense of humor.
3. My local pharmacy where they keep track of my many medications & supplies; for last minute service when an emergency has come up & I needed the medication before they opened again the next day, for their almost always having my prescriptions ready a day earlier than estimated, for their kindness & courtesy no matter how busy they might be. l
A million thank you’s to all of you for you are the kindest people in the US & after growing up on the east coast, I’ll take the Bible Belt over New York City, Long Island, & New Jersey any time.
Lynn, we love your list, and it’s wonderful having you bake with us this month (I know you were baking anyway, but we’re glad you’re baking virtually with us!). Keep us posted and we’re keeping you in our thoughts, too!
I am in! I am going to bake for my principal. She has had a hard time lately having to make cuts to our staff (we are a close knit campus). I am also going to bake for my friend and fellow teacher who is always there for my family. Then I’ll put a whole slew of different flavors out for the entire staff at our school.
I’m in! I will bake for my duaghter’s school librarians who always help her find what she needs! And probably should for the school nurse, too. Maybe janitor staff?
Count me in. I’ll bake some for a friend whose mother lives in Texas & is in a nursing home. I’ll probably take some out to work, the bus drivers & our mechanics would love it!!! The mechanics also fix things for us so I think I could fix them some FANTASTIC BREAD!!!!
I can’t wait!!! It has been years since I made some. I am going to attempt to make my own starter later today. When it is ready to be divided and made, I will see if some friends of mine who bake want some starter, but there are so many that I want to make the bread for. The first group of people that I plan to give the bread too are some neighbors who have helped me through a tough illness, my doctors staff who have been there, and my co-workers!
I really love making this Bread. I
lost all my stater bags I had in my
freezer when the plug accidently
was knocked out. I had no idea
where to get the reciepe from.
I enjoyed making this for our church functions. I added various
things with great success.
I love to make this bread for our
church bake sales. Lost the main
starter. Added alot of different
things with great success. That
you for putting your post on my
Facebook page. Now I can make
it again
I am so excited to do this! I just read this to my husband and kids, and each of us is going to think of one person to make the bread for. We are going to get the ingredients for the starter tomorrow, and get it started after church. I am feeling quite warm and fuzzy that my kids (ages 10, 12, and 13) jumped right up and wanted to gift these to people who have touched their lives.
I’m in too. This sounds like so much fun. I could make a hugh long list because my husband had cancer last year and is now cancer free. There are so many people we could put on the list but I think I will surprise my family first because they were so supportive. Kansas is a great place to live.
Sounds like a fun way to spread the JOY of Friendship while sharing YUMMMY bread all at the same time! Now, let’s see who should I include on my list…..?
I so enjoy your site, I wanna be involved in the bake & take and in the contest….Enjoy!!!!!!!!
I would love the chance to bake for others people I so many that I would love to bake for them just to say THANK YOU and even some that I would say I LOVE YOU to them too
I love to make this for friends. I
add applesauce, different flavors
for a moister bread. Fell in love
with this when given a starter
while staying at a Bed &
Breakfast at Niagra Falls
Romeo, michigan
For our church pastor, joanne
Because she has visited my mom and sister weekly for years while both are sick.
Sweet amish friendship bread
love this,can’t waite for my starter to finish,1st time i’ve tryed this
seeing the Choc-cherry-almond pic reminds me that I’d looked up alternate recipes online. A mix of this&that – hence all the time in figuring out! I’ve put in fresh peaches; chopped prunes; nuts (usually), spices-spices-spices, raiisins, applesauce (for reduced fat), dried cranberries; canned pumpkin – whatever I can think of … hence all the figuring-out again. Get it all ready, then whip it together & into the oven – the chemical action-reaction is remarkable.
It’s been a while since I have made loaves of AFB to share with others. So count me in. Just hope I remember to get some pictures of the gifts. I will be baking my my Grandson’s other Grandparents, one Grandson’s teacher, and a neighbor.
BrendaLea
DuQuoin, IL
Hey BrendaLea!
So fun to see someone from my town on this board!! Have you started baking yet?
Have a great day!
SusieQTpies!!!
I’ve never used AFB, but have tasted it, so know how good it is. I plan on baking it with my 3 1/2 year old granddaughter, Hannalise, and will be sharing it with some of my senior neighbors, as well as Hanna’s family.
I am so in for this. I think I’ll start with our mail lady. She always takes the time to smile and wave at us and waits if we are in the yard to give us the mail in hand versus just going on to the next box. She’s a joy and I want to give some back.
Can’t wait to get started
I will be baking and sharing with our Local Salvation Army for all they do for our community.
1. The Majors who devote their days and nights reaching out to others.
2. Thrift store workers – for giving their time and expecting nothing
3. Women in the women’s missions group
Tami, a recipe of the starter can be found here in the recipe section. That is where I am getting mine.
I baked 3 loaves of Chocolatey Zucchini AFB yesterday. I wrapped up all the loaves and took them to school with me today.
I am almost done with my schooling and wanted to share a little “thank you” with 3 of my instructors who have always been so encouraging and have appreciated my hard work and dedication to my studies.
They loved the loaves and were very appreciative. One of my instructors said “Are you Amish? How do you know how to make Amish bread?” I promised her that I would bring her a copy of the Starter Recipe tomorrow.
I want to bake a loaf of friendship bread for my next door neighbor, she is so good to us and has shared pizza, cookies, and brought me a cheesecake for my bd. She is a cook at the local grade school and is the most loving and kind hearted person I have ever known, she is fully deserving of some friendship bread, and I m not sure if she has even heard of it, so it will be a nice surprise for her. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to express friendship,
If you watch the news You know what is going on in WI. I am a cook at the largest high school in Kenosha WI and I am a Union member!! I am so proud of what our 14 senators are doing for us. One of the Teachers in my school is the daughter of one of the senators. So a few of the Teachers are making some home made meals to take to them I am baking some of my Amish Friendship bread to send with them. To say thank you for standing with us. I am baking tonight for this!
I bake 8 Amish friendship breads every 10 days. Usually I bake chocolate-chocolate chip and butterscotch but have also made craisin/walnut, banana/pecan and apple/pecan. I take them to church every Sunday for those having birthdays because I want them to know I’m thinking of them and I love them. The teenagers especially love these….and now have given their “favorite” requests. I love the Amish breads!
I can’t wait to start. I will be baking and taking to my best friend Kathy. She happens to also be married to my pastor, and never seems to have time for herself. She is so caring and giving. It’s always about making everyone else feel special. People never seem to realize how much time she dedicates to them.
I also want to bake and take for my daughters teacher, Meegin. My daughter has special needs and Meegin comes to our home twice a week to teach my daughter. When we have medical issues with doctors/school or anything that may come up, Meegin is right there helping us find answers, above and beyond her job.
I also want to bake and take to my sister who just lost her husband last week and the kitchen crew, in charge of the luncheon after the funeral. They did an awesome job providing a wide range of food, which provided my husband a good meal without his insulin as he had forgotten it. A very valuable job!
I made mine yesterday and took the muffins to church last night for our ladies fellowship meeting. I also took 2 starters. So I am anxious to see how many will have been baking up a storm by next months meeting. Everyone enjoyed the pumpkin spice muffins and also the black forest muffins. I must admit, they were yummy! One lady said, “hey, am I going to get sick since I am eating something that had milk sitting on the counter for 10 days?” We had a good laugh. I can’t wait to experiment in 9 days with another version or two.
The reason I took mine to ladies fellowship was because last month I had the devotions and it was on love and friendship.
Grand Forks ND
I am making my amish bread for my neighbor Lisa and her family. They recently moved here from CA. She has never had it or heard of it before and thinks it’s a wonderful idea. Also she just started college and has two small boys who I am sure will find this a great snack. I first found out about the Amish bread a couple of years ago from my mother-in-law. I was glad to find your site and get the starter recipe again for it has been awhile and I have missed having the bread. Thanks again for your wonderful site.
I am doing the Bake and Take again. I’ve baked 5 times now, since I have joined your facebook page, and I have always baked extra and gave it away to the ones that mean the most in my life. Soooo.. for this Bake and Take, my first loaf fresh out of the oven, went to my Daddy. He loves my breads, and is always waiting on the days he knows I’m cooking. It makes it easier that he lives next door to me
Now, the other two that I am giving away, one of those are going to my elderly neighbor across the street from me. She lives alone and lost her husband to cancer about 17 years ago. She is 75 years old. I always look out for her, and she loves my cooking.
My last loaf is a little undecided right now. I have so many I want to give to, and will eventually… But, I think my last loaf of the night will go to the family down the street from me. They are friends of the family, but the Dad is fighting cancer… and the whole family is going thru alot. Maybe this bread will put a smile on their face…. If it doesn’t work, I think I may just have to add a hug to the mix.
I am baking for all of my neighbors, who just happen to be much older than I am and could use a friendly face at their door, a few minutes of conversation and a wonderful loaf of AFB! anne
I want to be included. I’m from Iowa!
I am going to do the Bake and Take! I love doing this anyways so … I’ll let you know who I chose, wht bread I chose and when I do it. Love you guys… awesome siite.
•im in!!! doing the starter tonight
I am doing the take and bake and taking a loaf of bread to each of my brothers and sisters in law, my parents, and who knows who else by the time I am done Baking and Taking. I will probably make chocolate with chocolate chips, and lemon. My family loves both flavors.
This will be my first Starter and Amish Friendship Bread. I’ll be making some for friends, but will also take some to the local hospice center. My father passed away in western PA last year and his last 3 days were spent touched by loving hands and in the peaceful embrace of the local hospice center. We will be eternally grateful. Not sure which type I’ll bake yet…but, will scour the recipes here. THANK YOU!
Sounds great! I have a few shut ins from my church that would really love this bread! Will also bring it in for our church snack time!
Texas here and making up a dog bone ‘cake’ with my bread today! Having a tea party with my grandbabes. They informed me it is the stuffed dogs birthday!
Comanche Texas
Grandbabes
Tea Party Birthday for the Stuffed animals
Coconut Amish Friendship Bread in a dog bone shape, frosted with white icing and topped with toasted coconut
i would very much to be a part of this, however, i would be a sneaky gal. i would bake for someone without them ever knowing from whom it came.. i love to build baskets and set it on doorsteps for no reason and not have
a bit of info from whence it came, but a smile and good wishes.
OOOOhhhh, include me, please! I love this website!
On day two of baking my breads. (Made two bread starters a day a part.) I arranged to have our friends meet for breakfast this sunday at a local restaurant. I am going to surprise them by bring each a batch of either my cheese cake pudding with zest of orange or a loaf of the cheesecake pudding with fresh blueberries and zest of lemon. I love doing for others. it makes me happy and I feel down the line it will give my Angel points. Lol Happy baking and God Bless you.
I am going to take my bread to work to share with my team…I am also going to take starter in case anyone wants to do the baking for our next meeting!
I think I’m going to bake and take to everyone on my husband’s vol. fire dept. It’s a great way show our apperciation for there hard work. I love this idea!!!!
Keep us posted, Gena, and send them our heartfelt thanks, too!
I am an aide for special ed and I take and bake to the teachers at out Jr High. They work so hard and we are so blessed to have them all. I just want to let them know they are appreciated.
I will be baking for a dear 91 year old widower who relied on his wife for every meal and never learned to cook:?) I enjoy his company and stories more than he enjoys my baking:?) I don’t know what kind yet, but it’ll have CHOCOLATE!
Oh, I’m in Prophetstown, IL:?)
Greenville, MI
I am going to bake for my pastor and his wife. There granddaughter (3 years old) was just admitted to the hospital for 2-3 weeks due to complications of Cystic Fibrosis. They will be helping to care for the other grandchildren during this time. I am thinking of some bread and some chocolate oatmeal cookies.
I also have a bread flavor idea that I want to experiment with. IF it works out I will post it.
Please count me in I will be baking for my mother who is ill. and our mail carrier. I already have 2 starters in my freezer.
I want to participate too, but first I have to make a starter. Thanks for the idea!
I will try baking Raspberry Chocolate Macadamia Nut Amish Friendship Bread for my good friend and former supervisor! She is so awesome and she is again helping me by finding a more user friendly job within the company! PS: I’ve never baked friendship bread before, so it will be a challenge. Huntsville, Alabama
I want to start a bake and take in my area.
Delaware, OH
I would like to participate. My daughter and I just moved 300 miles from home, to a new city and a new state…I will bake a few varieties to share with my new neighbors as a gesture of friendship, and thanks for the one that shovels my walk, the one that said hello when we were unpacking the truck, the one that pointed me in the right direction when I wasn’t sure where to go, and the ones that I haven’t met yet.
I will try baking Raspberry Chocolate Macadamia Nut Amish Friendship Bread for my good friends and family! She is so awesome and she is again helping me by finding a more user friendly job within the company! PS: I’ve never baked friendship bread before, so it will be a challenge
I so want to win this. I have a large family and a special group of friends that I bake for every Christmas as their gift and I would love to give them friendship breads to make it an even better gift for all their holidays
So the 14 Senators came home so now a new bake and take! I have baked 6 breads today and will be giving a bread to each of the older people in my apartment complex! Will take pics when cooled and wrapped
Count me in. I would love to be a part of this. I am still recovering from cancer surgery but I believe I am up for this! I am so glad to be a part.
I will be baking for Dr. Hightower which is my cancer doctor and his nurse Becky. They took me and did my cancer surgery before even being accepted by my insurance company. They are still in the paperwork process of being accepted by my insurance company and my surgery was 2 months ago. This doctor and nurse were Angels sent from Heaven. My cancer was a very rare cancer right on the verge of spreading like wild fire. But Dr. Hightower did the surgery and stopped it before that happened. I praise and Thank God daily for him and his nurse. Oh yeah I live in Charleston Arkansas.. And I am going to try the black forest muffins
Count me in! I baked by bread on Sunday.
your city and state: Elizabethtown, PA
who you’re baking for: I made 4 loaves, one for each of my daughter’s sunday school teachers, one for my daughters, & one for my mail lady.
why you’re baking for them (what did they do that you’re thankful for? Or why did you choose to bake for them?): I chose these people because I wanted to do something nice for them and appreciate what they do for me and my family.
what kind of Amish Friendship Bread you gave them: I gave them the original recipe with vanilla pudding & cinnamon sugar.
Pearl City, Hawaii
Today’s Amish Friendship Bread Chocolate Brownies with chocolate ganache were shared with Rosy Muzika.
In February 2009 I married my husband after dating for 12 years. It was the happiest moment of my life, and unfortunately one of the only truly happy moments of that year. Shortly after the wedding, I was in a car accident that required me to attend physical therapy and stopped me from doing my regular hula activities.
Soon after I finished physical therapy and got a new car, I was diagnosed with the H1N1 swine flu, which affected my immune system greatly. I was getting sick every 3 weeks. This prevented me from starting any kind of steady work out routine. To top everything off my husband lost his job in September. I was not feeling good at all; I was sick, stressed out, and I probably a little bit depressed.
On May 12, 2010, I met Rosy Muzika, who I consider now to be my savior, at work during health day activities. I enjoyed her Zumba Fitness demo class so much that I attended two sessions even though we were only supposed to go to one!
After that class, I made a promise to myself that when I turned 29, I would try harder than ever to try and improve my health, mentally and physically. On May 17 I celebrated my 29th birthday, and on May 18, I attended my first full Zumba class and LOVED IT! But unfortunately, I got sick with a triple whammy (strep throat, sinus infection, and laryngitis) on May 20. After 10 days I was finally better, and I had more determination than ever to keep my promise to myself. I started attending as many of classes as I could.
I did not fall ill again until February of 2011. Since I started putting my heart and soul into Zumba I lost 23 and went from a size 10 to a size 6. I am an inspiration to my coworkers to lead healthier lifestyles. Most importantly I AM HAPPY AGAIN! And it really is because of Rosy Muzika and her amazing Zumba classes. Her spirit has reached through the universe to touch my soul. She still gives me a reason smile 5-6 times a week and for hours on end. I dance even when I’m walking through the grocery store (people think I’m crazy). I feel sexy again! She has helped me keep the promises I made to myself just before my birthday. She is the thing I am most grateful for at the end of the day. I truly believe that the day I met her was a blessing from God.
I guess you could say that, thanks to Rosy, I can eat all the Friendship Bread I want! I will share my Amish Friendship Bread Brownies with her because she is more than my Zumba instructor, but also my friend who saved my mental and physical health through her inspirational and motivational words and examples! Oh…and she could use all the extra calories since she teaches 13 classes a week!
I just found your webpage and am very excited to be able to one again make AFB. My grandson has Aspergers and I try to find things that we can do together. He also is a very picky eater. We will be starting our starter today and trying all the recipies. He started telling me EVERYONE he wants to give AFB to and it appears that we will be baking ALOT.
Tucumcari, NM•
•who you’re baking for; Hope Ministries Employees (volunteers)
•why you’re baking for them (what did they do that you’re thankful for?
They donate all of their time helping others, it will be nice toi do something for them.
•what kind of Amish Friendship Bread you gave them. regular friendship bread
They loved it so much, it made me feel so good giving it to them
I’m going to bake for my very best friend that stayed by my side when I lost my soulmate in 2001! Not sure which flavor but find out what her favorite is! Also bake for my 2 sons just cause I love them!
I have a friend with cancer and would like to bake her some Amish Bread. She had chemo today and was really depressed about it. She has three young children that would like the bread also.
Yes Our Womans group at church would love to participate.
OK, I thought I sent my post in last week, but I’m not seeing it, so I’ll post it again.
Susan Leanna from Green Bay, WI
I would like to participate also. I plan on baking my breads this weekend.
I will be baking the regular Amish Bread for myself (we have friends visiting) & the mailman (thankful for his hardwork thru rain, sleet,etc. delivering packages to our doorstep because they don’t fit in our mailbox), baking the Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Amish Friendship Bread Cookies for my son’s Kindergarten School Teachers (because I appreciate all that they are teaching my son – he can now read & tie his shoes), and baking the Zucchini Chocolate Chip Amish Friendship Bread Muffins for my son’s church religion class (for bringing faith & religion into his heart)
These all represent family, friends, love, faith, religion, education & food into our lives.
Thanks!
I enjoyed making my starter mix and baking the bread for my cousin that recently underwent reconstructive breast surgery and for my mom who has been at my side through all of lifes trials and tribulations. Please see my blog post.
I almost forgot, I live in Celina, Ohio and my blog is available at:
http://pizzaladie.wordpress.com
Please Pick Me! My Birthday is March 30!
I am just recovery from surgery to fix a fx leg and foot but want to do something while so bored so I am making breads and having my son deliver them to our neighbors and then next month they will get starters to the amish bread for themselves to start. I think this is a great idea. Thank you so much. I will be making 10 loaves this weekend to give out.
I have already put together a starter batch. I plan to bake my first batches of bread for a woman and her family that sold us our home. Her grown son just passed away from his own doing. A very sad time for them, but a wonderful way to let friends know you are thinking of them.
I just finished baking two loaves of apple friendship bread. The house smells so good, I want to eat it not share it. BUT I love the people I work with, so I will wait and take it to school tomorrow to show them how much I appreciate them.
I have a neighbor that has recently BEen so very generous with her time and fellowship with me. I am going to make her the Chocolate Walnut Friendship Bread this weekend to thank her and her family. Thanks so much for the idea! Of course I would LOVE to win the Baking Box of Goodies as well. It is my Birthday Sunday, so it would BE an AWESOME BElated Birthday gift!!! Thanks again!!!
BE Well my friends!!!
p.s. Will post pics next week ; )
I’ll be taking part in this one for sure!
Time to get out of the winter hibernation and get into a spring mood by sharing. Need to get starter going.
I would love to do this too! I am beginning a starter today. My uncle was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer and I’m going to make some of this to take to the hospital for our family and friends. Who stay with him around the clock. My Aunt and Uncle have always been such a big part of our community. Including things like visiting the sick, meals on wheels, and singing the good old fashioned gospel from churches close to home to far away. They never ask for anything and I think this would be a good way to just say; I love you. <3
Pam, my mother, is the epitomy of God’s hands on earth. A more selfless person I have never met. She would always go without if that meant someone else could be blessed. As an example, Pam and my father Randy are highly involved as youth leaders in church and have been for many years. Growing up, our phone rang off the hook at all times of the night because children and teens knew my family was safe, would listen to their needs and help in any way they could. We grew up sharing Christmas’s or other holdiays with chidlren and even adults who didn’t have family around. Spreading God’s love seemed to be my family’s motto. Later, after my two brother’s and I married and left home, my parents felt called even deeper into the lives of young children and teens. They decided to minister through taking on foster children. In total, they have had over 50 children in their home, and with each child Pam can vividly paint a picture of what that child meant to her. Many teens have grown up and still choose to visit and stay in contact because of the love so freely given. It didn’t stop here. The foster children had come and gone, being loved unconditionally by Dad and Mom but it wasn’t long before Dad and Mom’s heartstrings were tugged and God called them to adopt. They completed our family with seven new children varying in ages. From long walks and talks, game nights and dinner at the table every night together, to late night chats at the end of her bed, Mom is always available if anyone needs to talk. She spends her day cooking and cleaning and ready’s herself for the the kids to rush through the front door ready to share their day. She is never sitting but invests all of herself in each child’s needs. As her oldest child, she has also become a true friend. Loving me always, guiding me as I parent my own children and being the best grandma to her grandhildren, my mom, Pam, is beyond a blessing. I praise God for her and how He uses her on a daily basis to touch so many lives.
going to bake for the museum we are going to I homeschool and use the free museum days ALOT every month the staff is so unbelievably helpful and friendly I wanted to bake for them They don’t get the credit they deserve most volunteer
my name is Samantha Cooley I live in Huntington beach California
thinking I’m gonna bake lemon poppy seed,chocolate chip and a almond vanilla special I love to make.
took my bread in staff was super grateful what a rewarding thing for us to do It will be a monthly add on to our school THANKS for the great idea
This is a fantastic idea. I work with some of the most amazing, hardworking women I’ve ever met. I keep meaning to bring something in for them but always seem to forget. I am going to use this opportunity to make a commitment to show them they are appriciated.
I am participating! Starting my starter kit today, so I won’t bake for ten days but here is who I am baking for:
1) My professor because she is having a tough personal time, but still takes time out everyday for her students. She never shorts us because of what is going on in her own life.
2) My mother-in-law is always helping out with little things that my mother can’t because she is 3 hours ago. Additionally she helped me with our taxes… it was no small job!
3) A classmate who is particularly kind and helpful who does so much for so many with so little. I don’t want to get into her personal life, but her past is full of strife and struggle and she faces every day with a smile.
I will be giving each them a starter kit and a loaf of basic Amish friendship bread along with this website so they can find more recipes!
I’d like to participate. Please tell me how to make the starter! Thanks! : )
This sounds like fun and a great way to get a “circle of kindness” going. I want to participate.
I just started making the Amish friendship bread and have been making them for neighbors and friends.
I love the bread. I would love to win. Lets all make a bunch of Friendship Bread. Lets go Bakers.
This is an awesome idea! Since I have made the original Amish Starter, I am going to do another one also. That way I can give starter w/a bread. I have called a friend to get names of local ppl that are having a hard time meeting expenses, finding jobs, or ones that have been ill in some way, etc… She is rounding up names for me! I will be baking breads to give and also supply a starter w/the recipe along with this website, that way they can connect if they want to. I am also in the process of setting up a Necessity bank in our County to help ppl w/much needed supplies, personal products, etc… that food pantries cannot carry due to demand of food needs. I will be sharing these recipes with volunteers to help bake Amish Friendship Breads for the pantry to give away each day we are open. I believe a loaf will brighten their day! ~ Jo, Marshall County, Plymouth, IN
This is the second half of my posting. I decided to make some original Amish Bread for our church secretary and senior pastor. My husband lost his job 14 months ago …and honestly if it wasn’t for their love and support there are days I would be totally lost. They have been a true Christian blessing to my family.My next endeavor is to make some bread and take it to our local VA retirement home or hospital. I am the proud mom of an Army son currently deployed to Afghan. I appreciate the sacrifice they have given to our country.
I am from Papillion, NE
I wish I had known about this sooner. I will be doing my own personal bake and take so to speak as soon as my starter gets ready. I will be giving loaves to my son’s teachers, principals, and counselors. I will also be giving them away to my neighbors, because they are all special to me as we all live in a very rural close knit community. Lastly, I will be making additional loaves for my husband’s doctors. He is disabled with COPD and the doctors recently discovered another situation, a degenerative disk in his back which is causing severe pains in his back and legs. So he sees his pulmonologist and also he sees his orthopedic specialist now. They all mean the world to me, because I know that what they are doing for my husband comes out of the need they have to heal others. Thanks again for this wonderful group!
I still love this idea as thus far have been working on a starter and have made some regular banana nut bread for the neighbors. My son delivered since I am still recovering from my leg surgery. I can’t wait for the neighbors to get their starters and recipes next week. They were so happy to get their gifts today. Thanks for a wonderful idea. I live in Imperial, Pa.
Lake Forest, CA
I will be baking for my husband to take to work for everyone to enjoy.
I will be baking for my daughter to take to drama rehearsal for the cast, choreographer and teacher. I do this because I love to bake and Amish Friendship Bread is my all time favorite thing to make. Everyone loves it!
I started this today, am making a loaf for every neighbor on the opposite side of the road from me (there are 7 people and, its a 3 mile stretch). I only know one (1) of them. And Ive lived here 5 years….Will let you know how it turns out here in West Plains, Mo.
I will be baking later today for my friend who is going through Chemo treatments. Her and her family are very special to me. I also love baking for my elderly neighbors and a few close friends. There’s no telling how many loaves I’ll end up with. I am teaching my 2 year old grand daughter to bake and she’s right there in the kitchen with me. The first thing she does when we go in the kitchen is to grab her apron and gets her stool to stand on. In her words, “I love Mamaw’s kitchen.”
Oh I forgot, I live in Louisville, Ky. Also, since I work in an emergency room, I’ll be bringing any extras to work with me for the nurses, doctors and all the support staff who work here with me.
I’m going to take on this challeng and bake a loaf of bread for my friend of 28 years. She gave me my first starter abou 25 years ago!
We have drifted apart with our children going to different schools when they were younger, but she is on my mind EVERY time I make bread. I still think the world of her and with her recent heart surgery…I think she’d know she was still loved..
My starter is almost ready, and when I’m finished I’m going to make several different loaves. My Mom and Dad +
lived in an elderly housing complex, and the other seniors there became their very best friends. I intend to put little notes on the loaves and leave them in the community room as a surprise, each person can choose the flavor they like.
I baked a traditional loaf and a strawberry loaf for a friend who’s husband just passed away with Breast Cancer. I wanted to show her that there was someone out there who thinks of her often and that there are millions of people who are in her shoes and would consider her a friend if she ever needed one!
I am from Washington Missouri
I took my bread to staff members at The Cube they were so thankful THANKS for an amazing monthly thing to add to our lives SUPER REWARDING for us to do it!!!
What a great idea! I am going to bake for a friend of mine who lost her job, then had the house she was renting get sold. So now she has no job and no house! She needs a little cheering up!
I saw this a while back and My daughter Gracie and I decided to try it. We love in Lexington, KY. We decided to bake a Loaf each for her grandparents, one for her great granny, cause she says she loves them bunches. We also baked for a child in her classes family who had a small house fire. She says to make them feel better. Then we back for her Aunt and Uncle who just had a baby. Then we had three loaves that she wanted to take to the other ladies that her great granny hangs out with at the retirement home cause they give her candy when she visits. We followed the regular amish friendship bread recipe and we used banana pudding for some and pumpkin for the others. Gracie really loves to make this bread, I think we will be making more in the near future.
Robin & Gracie
My name is Maxine. I’m from Wheeling, WV. I bake cinnamon Amish bread for my community. I’ve baked 15,000 loaves to date. I take them to church to greet new faces when the visit. I take them to the fire house for the volunteers there. I also take them to bake sales. I bake to give back some of the joy others have given me. Obviously, I’ve been doing this a long time to get to 15,000 loaves. It’s a ministry that means a lot to me. (Posted by Christen on behalf of Maxine.)
i love this idea!! i’m baking for the volunteer fire department down the street from my house … they meet weekly, and i’ve already contacted the captain and told him that i will be dropping off friendship bread for them to enjoy: one chocolate cream cheese with pecans, and one blueberry craisins with nuts. these guys are on call to protect me and my family, thought it would be nice to show how much i appreciate them.
I want to participate In the March Take and Bake. I will be baking for my neighbor Kellie and her boyfriend John. I choose them because last November I went to North Carolina to be with my niece who was pregnant and had a 22 month old too and didn’t have much help. Kellie and John kept my weiner dog, Kody for me, for a whole month so that I could go be with my niece and help her. I am very thankful to have wonderful neighbors and friends like them.
I’m from Mayflower, Arkansas.
I was excited to see this opportunity to share both baked products and starter!
First off, I shared starter with my new neighbors, Gayle and Max, who are also nominally my “employers,” My hubby and I work for them as caretakers for their Arizona property when they are home (6 months of the year) in Michigan. I wanted to thank them for sharing their beautiful piece of Arizona with us! Then I shared some starter with fellow-travelers Bob and Gloria, also Michigan snowbirds, who have been so helpful in getting us settled here in AZ. I made up two batches of Friendship Bread for neighbors Karl and Toney, two single guys who are excellent cooks, but don’t bake too often. I made original friendship bread with the starter I shared with the guys. Golden Valley, AZ is at about 3,000 ft. elevation, surrounded by mountains and rock out-croppings, and since I love the bread (and starter) I was delighted to share. I also made a batch of biscotti for hubby, as a thank you for 37 great years together!
I plan to bake tomorrow and I am going to give a loaf and some starter to a couple of elderly ladies I know who live in retirement centers. Sometimes I go by and take them to lunch or take them shopping, and I think this is a great way for me to say “Thank You” to them for their friendship and their wisdom!!!! They are filling the void I have since my own mother passed away….
I have my starter all started!! I am making mini loaves for the Sheriff’s Dept./EMT/firefighters. I have family working there, and normally send cakeballs (which they dearly love) But I am gonna throw in a monkey wrench and give them something different! I appreciate everything they do for our small little town! And I like to show it!!
Deana you can turn a baked Friendship Bread into cake balls! Check the recipe box for Cake Pops which is also cake balls.
Have fun!
I read about the bake and take and decided to do this. The last batch I baked I actually gave to 2 people I cant stand. the reason is because I have so much drama in my life I have no time for such silly behavior as fighting and arguing. The 2 ladies I gave the bread to were completely dumbfounded as to why I’d share with them. We still are not… close BUT.. everytime I see them- they give a smile a wave and a hello. That makes me smile to know they arent so mean anymore. my final thought was “OH! thats why they call it ‘friendship bread’.
YEP! Thanks for sharing your story!
I want to participate in the Bake & Take for March. I live in Kyle, Tx.. I baked the Friendship Bread to say Thanks to my husband’s co-workers at theAustin American Statesman. My hubby is a driver for the newspaper. About 2 weeks ago, he was involved in a very serious acident in which he totalled a company truck. He was rear-ended by an 18 wheeler. The folks at work came & got me & drove me to Waco where my hubby was in the hospital. They drove my car so I wouldn’t be stranded. They filled the gas tank, brought my supper, & set me up in a hotel near the hospital. After returning home, they called regularly & sent a plant. They have been absolutely great. I would have been lost without everything they did. I made 4 different kinds & sent them to work for everyone because saying thanks just was not enough.
Oh Dee that is awful! It is amazing at all the love and support you both received in your time of need. I bet they LOVED the bread!
I love this idea. I just found your site and am getting ready to prepare my starter. I have several friends who are interested, so I will have plenty of people to share with. What a neat way to thank people. I can’t wait to try some of the new variations too. Things have sure changed since the last time I made this bread. : )
I made the Friendship Bread for the first time using the Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe (I think that is what it was called) ….the reason I started baking the bread is I am on a Relay For Life team and I made the bread to sell at work for my fundraising efforts and believe me it was a big hit and I also was able to give away two starters.
Hi Kathy! I have heard of several people selling their bread for Relay for Life this year! Such a great cause!
I made a loaf of almond poppyseed bread and shared with my friend who feel and badly injured her foot. She does not cook or bake (she even screws up french toast). So, I gave her some almond/poppyseed bread that I had made. She was very excited.
Liberty Center, OH – I have baked loaves of the original recipe for my children’s teachers a few times throughout the school year out of appreciation for all of the time they invest in the lives of my children.
I love to make mini and full size loaves to give away. I’ve given it to our Post Master and UPS deliverer a couple of times a year. I also will make of several loaves to give to people in our church. The elderly love the special treat, and some of the other ladies love having a starter given with the loaf. Then they begin their own process. Each time I make them I make a different flavor/recipe. My favorite gifts have to be to our elderly
. The smiles you receive back are priceless!!
My son is doing this in school and I just came across this site a little while ago. I love the whole idea and plan on making one for a friend of mine. She has always been there for me and she helps out as much as she can. She has done a lot me and my family. This would be a great way from me to say Thank You.
this book sounds awersome i need to buy it right away
Darien…I am sooo excited to get your book, but just as excited to be part of this Ground Breaking “Bake and Take.” Mine is going to our Homeless Mission downtown.. Believe or not they are the sweetest people in town and are more than greatful for the sweet treats they receive from those that remember them. One of the guy’s just passed away and they are all sad about it, so I am hoping my bread with brighten them up. Thank you for this opportunity and idea. Sheryl
Yes – I did bake this month. On 3/30 I took one loaf to my school along with six bags of starter needless to say all were gone before lunch and several new friends want a starter from my next baking.
I baked some of these breads and took them to work with me and gave them to friends I know. They loved them and wanted more. They said I should be selling them. I love theese breads.
I have a wonderful friend who has always been there for me in times of joy and stress. She is a wonderful and giving person, but the one thing she does not do is bake. I made a batch of starter and gave her some then I made a batch of the double chocolate friendship bread, to give her the incentive to try to bake. I would do anything for my friend and baking for her is just a little something extra. Thank you for posting the recipe for the starter, so that this was possible!
Day before yesterday I was checking my Facebook page – just curious how my friends are doing. Posted there among the usual jokes, viral videos and lunch invitations was a note from a former neighbor. She and her husband moved several years ago from our street. I did not know her well but remembered her name. She had posted that she wanted to bake some Amish Friendship Bread but did not have starter. Years ago I received a loaf of the delicious bread, loaded with cranberries, and chocolate chunks; I can still taste it. Telling my former neighbor that I would be happy to make a batch of starter if she would come visit our street again. She loved the proposal. I think she is was thrilled. Sometimes all we need in this busy world is an invitation to do something simple and nice to someone else.
I agree 100%! So awesome!
This past holiday season was the first time I had ever baked Friendship Bread. We shared it with several family members and friends. We even took some to a friend whose mother went home to be with the Lord unexpectedly. I have enjoyed baking Friendship Bread and I plan to bake more!
I baked a loaf of chocolate peanut butter friendship bread for my mom. She fell at her school and broke her hip, and she cannot leave her house for about 6 weeks. She is a terrific mom and has impacted the lives of hundreds of first graders in her 34 years at her school.
Thanks for the contest! You inspired my home to bake more and to share more! My kids are always asking me to make something for them and their friends. The every 10 day schedule with the starter is very helpful in the plan to bake. Besides our normal baking we also baked for:
*My daughter’s Tae Kwon Doe instructors/Masters. We made muffins in 4 packs and passed them out!
*We baked over 60 mini muffins for friends at the Library and Dance class.
*We held a FREE “bake sale” where we just baked and passed out the goodies at Church. Everyone wanted to pay/donate money but we knew what we were doing was worth more to us than some cash.
Our next project for April is to make up treat bags of mini muffins and stick them in our freezer. So this way we can give out treats to UPS, FedEx, Repair men, drop off treats to the Post Office, etc. Thanks for the inspiration!
xoxox Susie
St. Leonard, MD
I have not had Amish Friendship bread in years — since my daughter left elementary school (9 yrs ago). I thought I still had a starter in my freezer, but it wasn’t there. So I got your recipe, got my starter started and am planning on baking the basic bread for our Soup Supper at our church in Prince Frederick during the season of Lent. We have a wonderful church community who are always there to help everyone … whether they are members or not. They welcomed us warmly when we moved here 20 years ago and I cannot imagine ever not being part of their family.
North Dakota
I made some friendship bread for a long time friend, a neighbor and her family. All whom have never had it before and they loved it. I gave them each a starter bag and are well on their way to making their own friendship bread.
I was nice introducting them to something they never had before over a nice cup of coffee and conversation.
I also gave away my other two starter bags to other friends and then realized I had to start from scratch again for myself…,LOL Thats ok though I don’t mind. I was just glad that I could share something so wonderful with good friends.
I also pre-ordered the book and looking forward to trying out other recipies and sharing them with family and friends, And having some of that bakeware would be wonderful to make bread and pass out. I hope I am one of the lucky winners.
I made a friendship loaf and took it to work and now I have everyone asking where do they get their. Looks like I will be baking more and i find the website heldful on the different kinds that I can make so we don’t have the same kind everyday or every week at work!
I saw this late but I’m working on my starter now.
i love to bake for my husband and his friends at work… i try to make different breads and treats for them once a month. I also bring those same items to my job and everyone always loves what ever i bring in for them..my family loves it too when i bake…I live in lady lake fl which in lake county, i have also given friends a starter bag and they love it.