Day One: To make your own starter from scratch, mix 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk in a bowl. Cover tightly.

Day Two: Relax.

Day Three: Mixture is bubbling; please stir.

Day Four: Mixture is till 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; please 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 three small containers. Add a bright bow, or wrap in colored cellophane. Give to three friends with a set of these entire instructions (your friends should begin with Day Two), and include a personal note of friendship.

Add the following to your portion of remaining batter: 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 2 tsp. vanilla 2 c. flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 c. sugar 3 eggs 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. nutmeg (optional)

Stir well; 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 bananas (over ripe). Bake in a floured and greased Bundt pan at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Cool on a rack for about an hour. Turn over onto serving plate. Optional: Add frosting or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Enjoy!