2/3 c. oil
3 eggs
5 c. flour
4 c. sugar
3 c. milk
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg (optional)
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda

DAY ONE: To make your own starter from scratch, mix 1 cup each of flour, sugar, and milk in a bowl. Cover lightly. DO NOT refrigerate batter.

DAY TWO: Relax.

DAY THREE: Mix is bubbling, please stir.

DAY FOUR: Mixture is still bubbling, please stir again.

DAY FIVE: Add 1 cup each of flour, sugar and milk. Stir well!

DAY SIX: Relax.

DAY SEVEN: Mixture is bubbling. Please stir.

DAY EIGHT: Mixture is still bubbling. Stir again!

DAY NINE: Yup, needs to be stirred one last time!

DAY TEN: Add 1 cup each of flour, sugar and milk. Stir well!

TO FINISH THE CAKE:

Take out 3 cups of starter and put 1 cup into each of 3 small containers. Add a bright bow. Give to 3 friends with a set of these entire instructions. (Your friend should start with Day 2.)

Add the following to your portion of remaining batter: oil, eggs, 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, vanilla, salt, nutmeg (optional), cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda.

Stir well, BUT DO NOT use electric mixer.

For variety, add desired amount of one or more of the following ingredients: apples, nuts, raisins, dates, chocolate chips, cocoa, or drained fruit cocktail, or up to 4 over-ripe bananas. Bake in a floured and greased bundt pan at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Cool on rack for about an hour. Turn out onto serving plate.

OPTIONAL: Add frosting or sprinkle with powdered sugar.