Almost-Amish Cinnamon Bread

This is one of the easiest quick breads I've ever made. It got its unusual name because someone who enjoyed Amish friendship bread decided to make a loaf of it without using the stater that is the base for the original recipe. It did not turn out badly and it has since become almost as famous as the friendship bread itself. There is a lot of sugar in this bread, so I know it will appeal to those of you who crave sweets. The rest of you are welcome to join me for lox and cream cheese at the bagel table. This is a perfectly nice and serviceable sweet bread to make when you are pressed for time and do not feel the need to impress those sitting at your table. The recipe is great for beginning cooks and is wonderful to have on hand if you know you'll be working in the poorly equipped kitchen of a summer cottage or vacation condo. I do hope you'll give this homely bread a try. Here is how it is made.


Almost-Amish Cinnamon Bread

Ingredients:
Batter
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 cups buttermilk or 2 cups milk plus 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
Cinnamon Sugar
2/3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 8-1/2 x 4-inch loaf pans. Set aside.
2) To make batter: Cream together butter, 2 cups of sugar, and eggs. Add milk, flour, and baking soda. Put 1/2 of batter (or a little less) into prepared loaf pans (1/4 in each pan).
3) To make cinnamon streusel: In a separate bowl mix 2/3 cup sugar and cinnamon.
4) Cover batter in pans with 3/4 of streusel mixture. Top with remaining batter. Sprinkle last of streusel over batter. Swirl with a knife.
5) Bake for 45-50 minutes or until toothpick tester come clean. Cool in pan for 20 minutes before removing from pan.