I just returned from a Collective Impact Institute 4-day training and collaborative leadership learning event. The immersion learning experience impressed upon attendees how collective impact can transform a community and move the needle on major issues facing communities.
One of my favorite take-aways was an inspirational video that was shared to kick-off the event. It centered around the power of just one person doing one good deed and the ripple effect that has on others.
Life Vest Inside's The Kindness Boomerang "One Day" video tracks an act of kindness as it passes from individuals on a city street. You must watch it! I had goosebumps and felt the tears welling as I watched this for the first time.
Life Vest Inside - Kindness Boomerang from Orly Wahba on Vimeo.
This Amish Friendship Bread recipe is an example of that ripple effect of kindness to others as the recipe requies sharing the "starter" with others who in turn, share it with other friends and pass it on and on.
The finished bread is amazing and something that can't be replicated without the process of growing the starter and sharing it with others.
Amish Friendship Bread Recipe
Tip: Print a copy and write the day and date that you start, so you won't lose track of what to do, when.
Starter Ingredients:
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
2 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water in a large glass, plastic, or ceramic bowl. Stir in 1 1/2 cups water, flour, salt, and sugar. Beat until smooth. Let stand uncovered at room temperature three to five days stirring 2 or 3 times a day. Use a wooden spoon. Cover at night.
2. When the mixture is ready, it should have a yeasty smell. At this point, pour out one cup of this into a large plastic or ceramic bowl to use for the friendship mixture. The rest should stand one day and then be covered, refrigerated, and used within 10 days.
Developing and Growing the Starter Instructions:
Record the date you start this process: _____
With the 1 cup you removed, add 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup flour and 1 teaspoon sugar to the bowl. Do not use a metal spoon. Do not refrigerate. This is the "starter mixture" for Day 1.
Day 1: The day you receive (or made) the starter mixture — do nothing.
Days 2, 3, and 4: Stir with a wooden spoon.
Day 5: Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. STIR.
Days 6, 7, 8, and 9: Only stir the mixture.
Day 10: Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, one cup milk and stir. Pour 1 cup mixture into each of the three separate containers and give to three friends. (If you use plastic bags, tell your friends to transfer the starter to a bowl.)
Directions for the Final Amish Friendship Bread
To the remaining mixture add:
2/3 cup oil
3 eggs
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Add fruits, nuts, raisins or chopped apple.
Instructions:
1. Mix ingredients and pour into 2 well-greased and sugared (sprinkle with granulated sugar) loaf pans.
2. Bake 45 to 50 minutes at 350 degrees.
Cool 10 minutes prior to serving.
*Be sure to plan this during a time when you will not be out of town during the time requiring action.
