👋🏼 Hi! Ready to make some Amish Friendship Bread? Check out our Quick Start post!

Friendship Bread Kitchen

Amish Friendship Bread Recipes, Tips and Community

Help Me Pick Our March Bake and Take Winner!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my terms of use and disclosure policy.

This past month we hosted our first Bake and Take, where we asked people to bake Amish Friendship Bread and share a loaf with someone in need or someone who helped make their life a bit easier (your postman, librarian, child’s teacher, and so on). Many of you took us up on our challenge and those stories are posted here.

Now I need your help in choosing a winner! Visit the page, decide on your top three favorites (give us their comment #), and LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS PAGE (below) telling us who they are. One loaf or two, choose the stories that touch you the most. And, like always, REMEMBER TO TELL US WHERE YOU’RE FROM!

To thank you for taking the time to help us choose a winner, we’re giving away a Kitchen favorite: the sweet set of Ganz heart-shaped measuring spoons that I posted on our Facebook wall in January! I found my set in a small store but haven’t had much luck finding another set just like it (many came close, though). Not, at least, until now! These have a great weight, are shaped like keys, and have the following engraved on each spoon: a dash of joy (1/4 tsp), a pinch of friends (1/2 tsp), a spoon of family (1 tsp) and a heap of love (1 tbsp).

Please cast your vote today and tomorrow! If you participated in the Bake and Take, you can vote and cast a vote for yourselves. Again, the Bake and Take page is here but you must leave your comment on THIS page (below) with your top three votes (and their comment numbers) and where you’re from to qualify for this giveaway! Ends 4/2/11 at 11:59 pm EST. Good luck!

This contest is now closed. The winner is Christina Roddy of Pleasant View, Tennessee! Congratulations, Christina!

  1. Maryann Sawyer says

    I know the contest is over for receiving the really special measuring spoon set shaped like hearts, but is there any way I can buy a set. I’ve never been given “friendship starter”, but the recipes sound so good & I’d love to try them. I just need my “measuring spoons”. Can you advise me, please?

  2. Brenda says

    I so LOVE Hearts and Kitchen gadgets!!! Is it terrible to vote for myself?; )
    My comment is #80 and I admit, I didn’t get to make my neighbor her loaf yet, but I intend to this week. Congrats to whoever wins.
    Thanks for the opportunity!
    OKC Comment #80 : )
    Paula Kamphaus-Hunt under Comment #1 as my Mom passed from Cancer last year I appreciate her helping someone going through Chemo
    Linda and Brianna Whitworth
    Comment #6 – first cause they are a Mother/Daughter team and also cause they included their Postal Carrier. I have worked for the Postal Service about 21 1/2 years so I appreciate that too!!! Just in case it got lost in the confusion – Comments 80, 1* & 6
    *Paula Kamphaus-Hunt are my 3 picks : )
    THANKS!!!
    BE Well fellow Bakers!!!

  3. Alice Faye Elliott says

    I am going to make some Amish Friendship bread for sure. I want to thank you for the recipie for the starter. My Momma used to make this my whole life growing up and this brings back such beautiful memories. Thank you so very much, God Bless you all!!!

  5. Donna W. says

    There are so many wonderful and inspiring stories for this Bake & Take Giveaway, The ones that really filled my heart with joy were #54, #55 and #61. Now I can’t wait to begin my own “starter” so I can bake and share with some very special people in my life!
    Signed: Donna W, Erin NY

  6. Michelle Edmonds says

    I Would love a set of these adorable measuring spoons.

    My vote for is for 49, 70,45.

    I am from Goshen IN
    Thanks to you for this wonderful website.

  7. Mel R says

    What wonderful Bake & Take stories!
    My favorites are:
    Denise Sohocki 3.8.11
    Lynn van Sickler 3.4.11
    Sylvia Gisewhite 3.8.11

  8. Mel R says

    What wonderful stories! My favorite Bake & Take’s were:
    Denise Sohocki 3.8.11
    Lynn van Sickler 3.4.11
    Sylvia Gisewhite 3.8.11

    Great website! Thanks for the recipes … I WILL soon be baking!

  10. Elisabeth says

    I liked all of them. I have just moved across the country and keep thinking that I should take little gifts to the people who have done nice things to help us out and I am going to make these! Like the lady at the Humane Society who was able to get an appt. for our new dog to get spayed much sooner than what we were told elsewhere….it got done that week! The lady who delivers our mail and leaves it in the garage on the chest freezer when there is a package…and she always is so friendly. People like this help make a big move adjustment easier. : )

    • Elisabeth says

      Oh and by the way…I was born and raised in California but moved to Ohio a few years ago.
      I also plan on giving AFB to the young woman across the road who is pregnant with her first baby. The older lady down the road who I wave at every time I drive by or when the baby and I take a walk by her home but I have never spoken to her. And of course the children’s teachers at school!

  11. Misty Stuckwisch says

    comments #6, 9, & 11
    These people are so touching! They are great.

    I am from Brownstown, Indiana
    Misty

  12. Kathy Fuller says

    I like that Paula Kamphaus-Hunt is baking for her friend who has cancer and is beginning chemo.

    I don’t have a clue what you meant by comment numbers.

    I am from Catlettsburg, KY.

    • Brenda says

      Your comment here is #46. That is what they are talking about.
      I voted for Paula also, so I can tell you hers is a REPLY under comment #1. That kind of made it confusing when someone commented as a REPLY instead of a new comment with it’s own number ; )
      My comment is number #80 if you want to add a second ; ) jus’ sayin’ You can vote for up to 3.
      BE Well my friend!!

  15. Sharlene says

    I love your site; it’s filled with such wonderful ideas and stories. All the stories are so touching it’s hard to choose just a few. If I have to choose: 3, 10 & 68…I love these measuring spoons….

  16. Laura says

    I would like to post my vote for Teri Brower. In Delaware, OH. We, TOO are far from our “home” and sympathize with her. Our move was over 20 hours, though! Baking for the new neighbors to introduce yourself and help make friends is a GREAT idea!
    Lisa Watson, from Greenville, MI
    and
    Nancy Smith
    I live in Adams, WI.

  17. Marci says

    I vote for #’s 36, 39 and 45. My name is Marci and I’m from Glen Oaks, NY. 🙂 The measuring spoons are just adorable! You’re wonderful Darien!

  18. ANN says

    mY VOTE IS FOR #105 mAXINE — wow LOTS OF BAKING
    AND #111 Rebecca Absher – gREAT IDEA
    AND #117 Eloise Fabion

    I loved so many ideas…it was hard to choose.

  19. Cindie Morgan says

    My sister and I bake amish breads and they are so good, freeze well also for further use. I’m Cindie Morgan from Glasgow, Ky. Votes for Kim Elam, Robin Blakenship and Kathy Opel

  20. Kathy Price says

    #2, #11, #35

    Hard to choose with so many good stories. Finally decided on the above.

    Love the spoons! 🙂

    And, I’m from Quincy, MI about ready to get my first starter going.

  21. Christina Roddy says

    While it was hard to choose just three, my 3 votes are:

    #92 — “Jo Fisher” Plymouth, MN
    Marshall County

    #104 — “Robin Blakenship”
    Lexington, KY

    #74 — “Susan Leanna”
    Green Bay, WI

    I so enjoyed reading all of the bakers’ stories about the loved ones for who they are baking in the Bake and Take!
    I was also touched by the stories of those baking for Relay for Life. I am also a team member. I am a two time cancer survivor/thriver, as I am still undergoing treatment.
    I bake as often as I can. My Grandmother gave me my first starter and taught me to bake Amish “Friendship” bread. I am passing along the tradition to each of my teen daughters.

    Good Luck to all the bakers!

    Christina Roddy
    Pleasant View, TN

  23. Pamela Senich says

    Veronica Bright #3,
    Linda and Brianna Whitworth #6
    Lynn Van Sickler #11

    I am From Roberts , WI.

  25. Corinne from Grants Pass, Oregon says

    My first pick is #10
    Second is #9
    and third is #6

    It was hard to choose, and stop reading! I wish I had seen the challenge when it was happening, I would have baked my heart out. I have several people I’d love to bake for. So I will definitely participate in the next Take ‘n Bake!

    PS I LOVE the measuring spoons, AND your page/posts.

  26. Lorrie says

    I am from Pensacola FL.

    Vote #10, Pam Cresto
    Vote #47, Lynette355
    Vote #19, Rosie

  27. Cheryl Mankin says

    33. Kathy Charles
    34. Chattiekathie
    49. Nancy Smith

    I am from Ojai, CA. I love to read the stories of sharing; so much of the sense of community has been lost in our society. It’s heartwarming and inspiring to know that people sharing Friendship Bread can help bring it back. It’s the small kindesses that make life worth living.

  29. Kat Keener says

    I would so love to learn how to make this starter………………There are so many people I would love to do a random act of kindness for just because………………….

  30. brenda fassett says

    Denise Sohocki #9,#11,#3 are my votes,I love hearing stories from people,I made this bread and it was the best,I shared mine with my family and they were amazed with this as I never can make very good breads,but this was the best and easy

  32. Melanie Perkins says

    how can I purchase these measuring spoons for a friend that has pewter measuring cups already.? Thank you.

  33. Cheryl Ferguson says

    55 and 66…but there are so many good ones!! It’s so nice to see so many people with big hearts in our world these days! 🙂

  35. Anne Parkinson says

    Paula Kampha-Hunt, Elm Creek Ne

    Kelly McMahon-Pike, Louisville, KY

    Robin Blakenship, Lexington, KY

    I am from Shenandoah Junction, WV

  36. Pam Cresto says

    I loved all the stories. It is wonderful what people do from the heart.
    I vote #6 Linda & Brianna Whitworth. #40 Ann, #55 Krissy Morris. I would also like to vote for myself, because if I won I would use my prize to make more bread and spread more love. Pam Cresto Vancouver Washington.

  37. Debra Otters says

    I vote for :
    Pam Cresto
    Michelle Wade
    Sylvia Gisewhite

    I love the friendship bread, i am starting some today!

    I am from Lawler, Iowa

  38. Melissa Bilek says

    I like #55 Krissy Morris, #36 Deborah Smith, #32 raereid

    I thought all the stories were inspiring. I have recently moved to a new state and now have the recipe again to “go meet” the neighbors.

  39. Paula Lewis says

    I choose:
    #30. Sylvia Gisewhite
    #37. Kathy Opel
    #39. Melanie Johnson
    I am from Michigan and I am on day 6 of the starter (for the first time) and can’t wait until it’s ready!!

  40. Laura says

    29 , 30 and 2 all the comments are so wonderful and creative it has made me WANT to do this sooo bad I am going to do a starter myself. I am so glad to have found you on facebook!!!! Love to all of you! it was very hard to pick 3!!!!

    • Laura says

      well sorry forgot their names
      Paula Kamhaus Hunt well she didnt have a number
      #29 Tammy T that is so sweet about the Mail Lady.
      #30 Sylvia GiseWhite Salvation Army

  41. vicki messer says

    1. Veronica Bright #3
    2. Linda and Brianna Whitworth #6
    3. Lynn van Sickler #11

    Amazing ideas!!! Ladies with hearts of GOLD!!!!

  42. vicki messer says

    1. Veronica Bright #3
    2.Linda and Brianna Whitworth #6
    3. Lynn van Sickler #11

    Amazing ladies with hearts of Gold!!! Will be starting my own starter and donating loaves to Relay for Life fundraisers!!!

  43. Brenda Lagos says

    I liked the comment by Beth Mack dated March 31, #23, the best as the story depicts what Friendship Bread is all about. Just honest love.

  45. Claudette Jones says

    These get my vote. Never knew the versatality of this recpe! What yummy choices!

    108. Laura/Readerwoman from AZ

    75. Tambra Kimmel

    48. lynette355 from TX

  47. Michele Blaylock says

    Pam Cresto 10,Deborah Smith 36, Alyson Nohea #68 from Pearl City, Hawaii,

    I am from Pierre, South Dakota, and that is who i vote for…

  48. Cindy Parks says

    I like the entries submitted by Denise Sohocki and Pam Cresto best. Although many hit my heart those two won it out.

    Cindy Parks
    Thurmont, MD

  49. Mary Wilkins says

    This one touched my heart because I am fighting cancer “GIST” Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors right now, what a wonderful gift a visit from a friend would be especially one bringing friendship bread.

    Paula Kamphaus-Hunt says:
    March 8, 2011 at 6:10 am
    I already told a friend I would bring her a loaf and then I stumbled upon this Bake and Take. I am in Elm Creek Ne. I will be baking for a friend of mine, Denise Heathers. She is just beginning a round of chemo. I’m not sure what kind of bread I will make for her. I’m beginning a batch of starter today.

    I vote for the one above I copied and pasted here.

  51. Jo Fisher says

    This is definitely the most fun I have had entering a contest. Paying it forward is a great thing to do. I knew it would be difficult to narrow to 3 choices, so I decided to eliminate the ones who did not mention where they are from 1st. That was a sad task b/c of so many great stories and they didn’t mention where they live, but I have learned w/the scholarship I offer to graduating seniors, in memory of my son, that you have to set a guideline and follow, no matter what or you’ll drive yourself crazy!
    So after that lengthy intro, here are my choices! :
    1. Kelly McMahon-Pike, Louisville, KY
    2. Robin Blakenship, Lexington, KY (Gracie’s mom)
    3. Dee – Kyle, TX
    Of course, I cast a vote for myself as well, as you said above…
    Jo Fisher, Plymouth, IN
    Thank you so much for this idea! It was a wonderful success! The funny thing is that two different friends had starter and gave them to me b/c they didn’t have time to bake (a day apart!) so there were plenty of breads to go around and I dropped off breads at our local Fire Dept and Police Dept as well. I’ve also been able to round up 5 volunteers to bake for my Necessity Bank. We’ll be giving “friendship” and smiles away very soon! Thank you again! ~ Jo Fisher

  52. Brenda says

    I have just recently visited this site and am so excited about making my own starter, today actually. I have received the starters from friends and family but never knew how easy it was to start it myself! I plan to use several of the different recipes of bread when the starter is completed!
    Love this site and here are my votes Brianna Whitworth and every other baker of Friendship bread and it’s many versatile variations!
    I am from Zanesville, Ohio!

  54. LISA SEYMOUR says

    love the stories of these three ladies.
    Veronica Bright #3
    Denise Sohocki #9
    Lynn van Sickler #11
    very heartwarming stories,and kind.
    Im from Pennsylvania