This traditional Friendship Cake starter is a unique fermented mixture of fruit, sugar, and brandy that develops a rich, complex flavor over several weeks. The process involves layering pineapple, cherries, and peaches with sugar and brandy, allowing natural fermentation to occur. The resulting liquid starter is the key ingredient for creating incredibly moist and flavorful cakes that are shared with friends. This recipe requires patience but rewards you with a distinctively sweet and boozy dessert base. Ideal for special gatherings or holiday baking, this starter captures the essence of old-fashioned communal cooking. Store the starter at room temperature to ensure proper fermentation.
Friendship Cake Brandied Starter
Description
This traditional Friendship Cake starter is a unique fermented mixture of fruit, sugar, and brandy that develops a rich, complex flavor over several weeks. The process involves layering pineapple, cherries, and peaches with sugar and brandy, allowing natural fermentation to occur. The resulting liquid starter is the key ingredient for creating incredibly moist and flavorful cakes that are shared with friends. This recipe requires patience but rewards you with a distinctively sweet and boozy dessert base. Ideal for special gatherings or holiday baking, this starter captures the essence of old-fashioned communal cooking. Store the starter at room temperature to ensure proper fermentation.Ingredients
Directions
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In a large one-gallon glass jar, combine the drained cubed pineapple, 1 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons brandy.
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Cover the jar loosely to allow airflow and let the mixture sit at room temperature for two weeks, stirring daily.
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After two weeks, add the chopped maraschino cherries, another 1 cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of brandy to the jar.
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Stir well and let the mixture sit for another two weeks, continuing to stir daily.
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During the fourth week, add the drained sliced peaches, the remaining 1 cup of sugar, and the final 2 tablespoons of brandy.
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Stir thoroughly and let the mixture sit for two more weeks, stirring daily to prevent mold and ensure even fermentation.
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After the full eight weeks, strain the mixture to separate the liquid starter from the fruit pieces.
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Reserve the liquid starter for making friendship cakes.
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The remaining fruit can be used as a topping for ice cream or cake.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 278.1kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.1g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 1.2mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 67.8g23%
- Dietary Fiber 0.8g4%
- Sugars 66.0g
- Protein 0.3g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
