Heat milk until it reaches 100ºF on a thermometer. Remove from heat and stirin yogurt. Pour mixture into a clean plastic container, cover tightly, and let stand in a warm place for 18 to 24 hours. Be sure to punch a small hole in the container lid to allow gases to escape. Mixture should have the consistency of yogurt. A curd should form, and the mixture should not flow readily when the container is slightly tilted. If clear liquid rises to the top of mixture simply stir it back in. If liquid or starter turns pink, discard mixture and start again.
Mix flour. After curd has formed, gradually stir 1 c. flour into the starter until blended. Cover tightly and let stand in a warm place 85ºF (30ºC) until mixture is full of bubbles and has a good sour smell, approximately 2 to 5 days. If clear liquid forms on top of mixture, stir it back into starter.
Each time you use part of your starter, replenish it with equal amounts of warmmilk (100ºF) and flour. Cover and let stand in a warm place several hours or overnight until it is full of bubbles. Store in refrigerator until needed. Starter should always be at room temperature before using. Low fat or skim milk may be used in place of whole milk. Always be consistent in the type of milk you use.
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