I was gifted with a bag of Amish Friendship Bread starter last week; we always called it "Herman" when I was growing up. The boys and I faithfully stirred and fed him and last night he was ready to go. I looked on-line and decided to make some banana bread. It turned out quite well. I think that I will make another loaf to send with oldest DS when he goes to visit his cousins tomorrow. I was thrilled to see many wonderful looking recipes on-line. Does anyone have any favorites they like to make? I was thinking the pancakes sounded quite good too. Also, I'm game to try some whole wheat bread. I can remember keeping Herman around for a few weeks, then letting him go, as we tired of coffee cakes and could no longer find unsuspecting friends to take a start of Herman. If you've had Herman around your house, what's longest you've kept him going?

I tried this about twenty years ago and lost interest quickly. Perhaps if I baked more often, it would be worth the bother.

I do recall reading a story in grammar school, about a pioneer family who had a special sourdough starter, passed down for generations. The daughter was put in charge and somehow lost it. It all ended happily, when the lump was discovered flattened beneath a pan. All's well that ends well...