"This is a recipe for a sweet sourdough starter known as Herman. There are a number of things that can be made from it. It's very important to NOT use metal utensils or bowls! It will take 15 days for the starter to mature and be ready to use the first time you make it. After that it can be ready for use every 10 days."

Ingredients:
2 1/4 teaspoons (13ml) active dry yeast
2 cups (472ml) warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 cups (472ml) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (59ml) white sugar

1 cup (236ml) white sugar, divided
2 cups (472ml) all-purpose flour, divided
2 cups (472ml) milk, divided

Directions:
1. In a large glass or plastic container, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Stir in the flour and sugar, mix until smooth. (DO NOT USE A METAL SPOON) Cover loosely and store in a warm place overnight.
2. The next day; stir and refrigerate.
3. Stir once each day for the next four days. On the fifth day, stir, then divide in half. Give half away with feeding instructions.
4. Feed starter with 1/2 cup (118ml) white sugar, 1 cup (236ml) flour and 1 cup (236ml) milk. Stir until smooth. Cover and place in refrigerator. Stir once each day for next four days.
5. On the tenth day, feed again with 1/2 cup (118ml) white sugar, 1 cup (236ml) flour, and 1 cup (236ml) milk. Return to refrigerator and stir once each day for the next four days.
6. On the fifteenth day, it is ready to be used for baking. Reserve 1 cup (236ml) of the starter in the refrigerator and continue to follow the stir and feed cycle. (Stir once a day for four days, stir and feed on the fifth day, ready for use on the tenth day.)