Lemon Amish Friendship Bread

*** Do not use metal spoon or bowl for mixing
*** Do not refrigerate (may freeze starter to keep for future use)
*** It is normal for batter to thicken, bubble and ferment.  If air gets in bag, let it out.

DAY 1 -- This is the day you receive the starter* -- do nothing.  DAY 2-5 -- Squeeze the bag several times and let out any air.  DAY 6 -- Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk.  Change to larger ziplock bag.  DAY 7-9 -- Squeeze the bag several times and let out any air.  DAY 10 --- In a large bowl, combine the starter, 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk.  Mix with a wooden or plastic spoon or spatula.  Pour 1 cup starters into ziplock bags.  Keep one for yourself and give the other starters to friends, along with a copy of these instructions.  You may freeze starter for future use.

Mix the following dry ingredients together in a medium bowl and set aside:

2 cups flour                     1 1/2 tsp. baking powder        
1 cup sugar                     1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda        1 large box instant Lemon Pudding Mix

Add the following wet ingredients to the remaining starter in the bowl and mix well:

3 large eggs        1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk        1 tsp. lemon flavoring

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just enough for the dry ingredients to disappear.  If desired, add 3 Tbs. poppy seed.  Pour batter into 2 large (or 5 mini) loaf pans.after they are greased and sprinkled with sugar or flour.  Bake in preheated 325-degree oven for one hour (large loaf pans) or 40-45 minutes (mini loaf pans).

*Amish Friendship Bread Starter

1 package (1/4 ounce) active yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees)
1 cup flour    1 cup sugar    1 cup milk

Dissolve yeast in water and let stand 10 minutes.  In glass, plastic or ceramic container, thoroughly combine flour and sugar.  Slowly stir in milk and dissolved yeast mixture.  Pour into ziplock bag and keep at room temperature.  Consider this Day 1 of the 10-day cycle in the directions for Amish Friendship Bread.