Help with Jamil's Choco Hazelnut Porter--6 Gallons???

[RallyintheValley]

Ok, I've decided to brew Jamil's Chocolate Hazelnut Porter.
Two problems I've come across, both probably because I'm a newbie... this will only be my 4th brew.

I'm still brewing extract only.... luckily Jamil provides an extract recipe. Problem #1: His recipe calls for a 7 gallon boil for a 6 gallon batch.
I don't have the means for volume. How will boiling his recipe as a 5 gallon batch affect the outcome?

Problem #2: He calls for 2.5 vials of WLP001. Can I just make a starter with 1 vial? Or do I need 2.5?

Again, I'm relatively new to the brewing world, and this will be my first non-kit.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks
RalVal

 

[FishinDave07]

For boiling it depends on your boil off rate. On my turkey fryer i boil 2 gallons in an hour with the burner on low. If you are using your stove top it will probably be less. You would probably be better off boiling 3 gallons and then topping off afterwards.

Make a starter and step it up.

 

[RallyintheValley]

So, Jamil lists all his brews as 6 gallons to account for boil off?

 

[Beerrific]

6 gallons after the boil
5.5 into the fermenter
5 into bottles/keg