this is the starter from about.com
On Making Friendship Bread
Please Note:
For a successful fermentation process, the starter cannot come in contact with any metal (spoons, bowls, etc.)
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F.)
1/4 ounce envelope active dry yeast (apprx. 2-1/4 teaspoons)
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F.)
Four 1 gallon-sized resealable plastic bags
Preparation:
In a glass measuring cup, add 1/4 cup warm water. Add yeast. Allow yeast to dissolve. This takes about 10 minutes. Stir to combine. Set aside. In a large non-metal bowl, combine sugar and flour with wire whisk. Slowly add milk and then yeast. Stir until combined.
Place 3/4 cup of the starter in each of the plastic bags. (The excess will go into the bag you're keeping.) Give the other 3 bags to friends with a copy of these instructions. This is Day One of the Amish Friendship Bread instructions.