Friendship

These past 12 months, much of what we have all experienced has been about friendship.

Defined as ‘a personal relationship that is grounded in a concern on the part of each friend for the welfare of the other’, there can have been few occasions, certainly since the second world war, when we have all, in one way or another, needed a friend to turn to more.

The strain on friendships that have had to be conducted long distance, and the distress caused where help or comfort might be needed, cannot be underestimated.

Living alone, with no children or parents of my own, and shielding at home, I have welcomed the opportunity, and the time, to be able to turn my attentions, albeit remotely, towards supporting others as they have struggled to cope with prolonged absences.

What has been very apparent though, is that in the face of extreme circumstances, as a nation we have really stepped up to the mark. Living in an area blessed with a rich diversity of rural communities, it has made me feel really proud to be British. As even basic services have felt the strain, I have witnessed first-hand the coming together of groups of people volunteering to fill in the gaps, and doing a tremendous job too.

As things begin to return to the ‘new’ normal many of us will find that the pattern of our lives has changed considerably. Apart from the loss of loved ones, we cannot escape the other repercussions of the pandemic on the economy, which will take many years to recover.

We may well find that in the coming weeks and months that we need the support of friends more than ever. In considering this I was reminded of a recipe I had been given almost 40 years ago, for 9 Day Amish Friendship Bread. It is simple to make, and it is the sharing of it that really brings home the value of friendship. I hope you enjoy it.

9 DAY AMISH FRIENDSHIP BREAD

DO NOT REFRIGERATE

STORE IN CONTAINER WITH LOOSE LID OR FOIL - 1 cup milk; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup flour

DAYS 1,2,3 – stir a few times

DAY 4 – stir and add:-  1 cup milk; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup flour

DAYS 5,6,7, 8 – stir a few times

DAY 9 – stir until smooth and add:- 1 cup milk; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup flour

PUT ONE CUP OF THE MIXTURE INTO EACH OF THREE CONTAINERS AND GIVE ONE TO EACH OF THREE FRIENDS

When ready to make the bread, pre-heat oven to 350’f/180’C and grease and line two 1lb. loaf tins.  

TO THE REMAINING BATTER ADD;-

2/3 cup of cooking oil

½ tsp. baking soda

1¼ tsp. baking powder

1 cup of sugar

2 cups of flour

1½ tsp. vanilla essence

½ tbsp. salt

2 tsp. cinnamon

3 eggs (can also add bananas, raisins, nuts etc. if required)

Pour the mixture into the tins and bake for 40-45 mins. until just firm (a skewer inserted into the middle should come out clean). Cool on a wire rack. Will keep for up to 1 week.