Let yeast dissolve in 1/2 cup of warm water in a glass or pottery bowl. Then stir in flour and the remaining 2 cups of warm water; mix well. Pour into glass or crockery container, cover and let stand 3 to 5 days in a warm place. Near, but not directly over the stove's pilot light.

In summer, cover and place in utility room. If mixture separates during the fermentation, mix gently with fork to blend before using. When starter starts smelling sour, not moldy, replace the amount taken out with same amount with water and flour.