Mix the following in a Non Metal Bowl With Non Metal Utensils!!!!!!! Mix the yeast and the first 1/2 c water together and let stand until "yeasty". Then sift the dry stuff together, and combine it with the yeast/water and the other 2 c of luke warm water. Mix well with a non-metal spoon and let stand uncovered at room temp for 3-5 days, covering only at night, and stirring 2-3 times a day.

Remove 1 cup and start the ten day ritual, as below. With the remaining mix, add 1/2 c water, 1/2 c flour, and 1 t sugar. Let stand at room temp one day (until very bubbly). Store covered in fridge for up to 10 days for in recipes or as further starter.

10-day ritual (all done at room temp in non-metal bowl)

Day 1-you receive "Herman" and do nothing Day 2-stir w/non metal (pref. Wooden) spoon Day 3-stir Day 4-stir Day 5-add 1 c each of flour, sugar, and milk. Stir Day 6-stir Day 7-stir Day 8-stir Day 9-stir Day 10-"Herman is born!" Add 1 c each of flour, sugar, and milk. Stir well. Pour 1 C each into 3 containers. Give to friends/enemies with above

instructions. Reserve one cup for reprocessing for yourself.

The friend who gave me this starter recipe controls her batch by only adding 1/3 c of each ingredient on days 5 and 10. You can do this to prevent yourself from becoming overrun! The bread recipe below is a good solution to the starter, but you end up 50 lbs overweight and have a freezer full of loaves unless you learn to control the "Herman" or pass it on to friends.

Amish Friendship Bread

To Remaining Batch of "Herman" (after you remove the 3 cups and restart or pass them on) add the following.

Remaining Herman 2/3 c oil 3 eggs 1 c nut/fruit of choice (applesauce, bananas, etc) 2 c flour 1 1/2 t baking powder 1 c sugar 3/4 salt 1/2 t soda 1 t cinnamon

Mix well and bake at 350 45-50 min. Makes 2 loaves.