Makes enough to keep and share.

2/3 c. milk
2/3 c. flour

Combine the above ingredients in large, airtight container with lid and store at room temperature; do not refrigerate. Container must be non-metal. Stir starter every day for 17 days. For the next 10 days, handle starter to the following instructions: On day 18, do nothing. On days 19, 20 and 21, stir. On day 22, stir and add:

1 c. sugar
1 c. milk

Stir again. Stir on days 23, 24, 25 and 26. On day 27, add:

1 c. sugar
1 c. milk

Stir. Take out 1 cup three times. Give 1 cup each to two friends and keep the remaining cup for your self and use in the Amish Bread recipe. When you give the starter to your friends, and with the remaining starter you have (not including the 1 cup you will use in the Amish Bread recipe), include the following instructions: Do not refrigerate and do not use a metal spoon when feeding this starter. On day 1 (the day you receive your starter), do nothing. On days 2, 3 and 4, stir. On day 5, stir in:

1 c. sugar
1 c. milk

Pour mixture into large glass mixing bowl; mixture will rise. Stir on days 6, 7, 8 and 9. On day 10, Stir in:

1 c. sugar
1 c. milk

Stir, then pour into 3 (1-cup) containers and give to 3 friends. Note: By mixing up starter on the first day of the month, the calendar will be your guide. Yields 5 cups.