Fall's a Good Time for Baking

Here's a great recipe to share with friends.

Amish Bread Starter

2/3 c. sugar
2/3 c. milk
2/3 c. flour
2/3 c. oil
3 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 to 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda

Combine ingredients in large airtight container with lid. Store at room temperature, do not refrigerate. Stir every day for 17 days. The recipe makes more than 1 cup needed. But allows for evaporation. Now the starter is ready. For the next 10 days handle starter according to the following instructions. Day 1, receive the starter Day 2,3, and 4 - stir. Day 5, Add 1 cup each flour, sugar and milk. Day 6 & 7, stir Day 8 & 9, stir Day 10, Add 1 cup flour sugar and milk. Divide into 3 containers of 1 cup each for friends. After removing the cups of batter, mix in the following ingredients: Using a fork, beat by hand until well blended. Add 1 cup raisins ans 1 cup nuts (optional).

Grease pans with butter, sprinkle with sugar instead of flour. Bake at 325 for 1 hour. Cool 10 minutes, remove from pans.