Amish Friendship Bread Starter

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water (110° F/45° C)

3 cups all-purpose flour, divided

3 cups white sugar, divided

3 cups milk

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Let stand 10 minutes. In a 2 quart container glass, plastic or ceramic container, combine 1 cup flour and 1 cup sugar. Mix thoroughly or flour will lump when milk is added. Slowly stir in 1 cup milk and dissolved yeast mixture. Cover loosely and let stand until bubbly. Leave in bowl, loosely covered, or in 1-Gal. Ziploc bag. at room temperature. Consider this day 1 of the 10 day cycle. [See Amish Cinnamon Friendship Bread recipe for mushing/baking instructions.]

You can also freeze this starter in 1 cup measures for later use. Frozen starter will take at least 3 hours at room temperature to thaw before using.