Recipe Collection |  Share a Recipe 

Submitted by: Mary Gentry from Pikeville, KY
Originally shared on the web 02/18/2011

4 c. sugar, divided
5 c. all-purpose flour, divided
3 c. milk, divided
1 c. sugar, divided
2/3 c. oil
3 eggs, beaten
2 t. vanilla extract
1-1/4 t. baking powder
1-1/2 t. baking soda
2 t. salt
Optional: 1/2 cup raisins, chopped walnuts and/or applesauce

Day 1: Make your starter. In a large bowl, mix one cup sugar, one cup flour and one cup milk using a wooden spoon. Place uncovered bowl in pantry; don’t refrigerate. Days 2, 3 and 4: Stir once a day with a wooden spoon. Day 5: Add one cup sugar, one cup flour and one cup milk. Stir with a wooden spoon. Days 6, 7, 8 and 9: Stir once a day with a wooden spoon. Day 10: Add one cup sugar, one cup flour and one cup milk; stir with wooden spoon. Pour one cup starter into 4 glass or plastic containers. Attach complete instructions (along with a note to start at Day 2) and give to 3 friends, keeping one for yourself. To the remaining starter in the bowl, add remaining cup of sugar, remaining 2 cups of flour and other ingredients; mix well. Pour into a well greased and sugared 9"x5" loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes; check for doneness with a toothpick. Let cool 10 minutes before removing from pan. Makes 4 starters and one freshly baked loaf.