Step 1

Pour the warm water into a small glass bowl.

Step 2

Sprinkle the yeast over the water. Let this stand for 5-8 minutes to allow it to dissolve.

Step 3

In a larger glass bowl (or plastic bowl. Don't use metal bowls or utensils for sourdough), mix together the flour and sugar with a wooden spoon.

Step 4

Stir in the milk and then the yeast mixture.

Step 5

Cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow it to stand until bubbly.

Step 6

Once the mixture is bubbly, pour it into a gallon-size zippered plastic bag and seal. Do not refrigerate. Allow the sourdough mixture to sit out at room temperature. This counts as Day 1.

Step 7

Day 2: Mash the bag.

Step 8

Day 3: Mash the bag.

Step 9

Day 4: Mash the bag.

Step 10

Day 5: Mash the bag.

Step 11

Day 6: Add 1 cup of flour, sugar and milk. Mash the bag until it is mixed well.

Step 12

Day 7: Mash the bag.

Step 13

Day 8: Mash the bag.

Step 14

Day 9: Mash the bag.

Step 15

Day 10: Pour the sourdough into a glass (or other nonmetal) bowl. Add 1/2 cup each of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar and milk. Mix well with a wooden spoon.

Step 16

Divide out 1 cup portions of the starter, placing each one-cup portion in separate zippered plastic bags. You'll get about 4-5 bags.

Step 17

Seal the bags, and give the starter away to friends along with the instructions, keeping one for yourself if desired. The starter then goes back to Day 1.

Step 18

Keep one starter for yourself.

Step 19

Click here for the instructions to bake the bread.