1 package active dry yeast
2 C. lukewarm water
2 C. flour
In a large glass jar or crockery pot, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water.
If water is too hot it will kill the yeast. Add flour and beat until smooth.
Cover and let set at room temperature for 48 hours. Makes 2 cups of starter. Use
1 cup to start feeding Herman and find a good house or friend for the second
cup.
Care and feeding of starter: Keep Herman in a large covered container in the
refrigerator. Stir once a day. On the first and fifth days feed with 1/2 cup
sugar, 1 cup milk and 1 cup flour. On the 10th day use Herman to prepare cake.
By that time Herman will have grown to 4 cups. Use 2 cups for baking, 1 cup of
starting another 10-day cycle yourself and 1 cup for a friend.
Herman Coffeecake
2 C. Herman starter (on left)
1 C. sugar
2/3 C. oil
2 C. flour
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 to 1 1/2 t. cinnamon
1/2 to 1 t. nutmeg
1/2 to 1 t. ginger
2 eggs
1/2 to 1 C. nuts
1 C. raisins, dates or apricots
Combine all ingredients and pour into a well-greased and floured 13 x 9-inch
baking pan. Top with streusel.
1 T. flour
1/2 to 1 C. brown sugar
1 to 2 T. cinnamon
1/4 to 1/2 C. melted butter
2/3 C. nuts, optional
Mix ingredients and top coffee cake batter in baking pan. Bake 35 to 50 minutes
in 350°F. oven.
Glaze:
1/2 C. butter
2/3 to 1 C. brown sugar
1/2 to 1 C. milk
Put ingredients in saucepan and boil for 5 minutes. Pour over baked coffee cake
when it emerges from the oven.
