DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’ve lost a recipe for cinnamon bread that our family loved. It was not a sourdough recipe but it did require mixing and adding an ingredient(s) over several days. The word Amish keeps popping up in my head but searching for it has not uncovered any recipe that matches my memories of the bread. Can anyone solve this mystery for me? — Gertrude, Lewiston

ANSWER: As a young mom living in a neighborhood in Virginia, I remember being gifted a container of Amish friendship bread “starter.” The recipe I’ll share with you doesn’t require the starter component, which, in my mind is too much responsibility. However, if you want to make a starter to use for future loaves or give to everyone you know, look up recipes for “Amish Friendship Bread” and you will find loads of variations. Some include additions of bananas, zucchini, chocolate chips, and more! And of course, if Sun Spotters have recipes for the starter, and the bread itself, please share. 

If you don’t have buttermilk, stir 2 teaspoons white or apple cider vinegar or lemon juice into whole milk and let it stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

Amish friendship bread: With an electric mixer, cream together 1 cup softened butter, 2 cups sugar and 2 eggs. Add 2 cups buttermilk, 4 cups flour, and 2 teaspoons baking soda. 

In a small bowl, mix 2/3 cups sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Set aside.

Divide half the batter into two buttered loaf pans (one quarter of the batter in each pan). Divide and sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the batter in each pan, reserving about 1/4 cup to sprinkle on the top of the batter.

Evenly add remaining batter to your two pans then divide and sprinkle with the reserved cinnamon-sugar.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 20 minutes before removing from pan. Makes 2 loaves.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Words cannot express how grateful Fairbanks Union Church is for your help in supporting and getting the word out about our November Christmas Decorations Sale. Your support made all the difference. We are also grateful for all the folks in Sun Spots Land who so graciously donated Christmas items for our sale. They came from far and wide to deliver some wonderful items. We are blessed. 

Because we were so successful with our last sale, we will be holding the Christmas Decorations Sale again in November. We accept donations of anything Christmas — trees, wreaths, outdoor decorations, ornaments, dishes, knickknacks, linens, and books, to name a few. 

For questions and further details, please contact Cindy at 491-4017, Carole at 860-6334, or Celia at 462-7345. — Cynthia, Farmington

ANSWER: I’m so glad I can be helpful! I love the idea of you wonderful ladies stockpiling Christmas items throughout the year. Who doesn’t have holiday décor to give away as we downsize, reinvent and redecorate our current spaces, experience changes in family size and dynamics, or simply change our minds! 

I also like the idea of themed fundraisers. It sounds like you have a good thing going on, so keep up the good work! 

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