1 package active dry yeast
2 cups lukewarm water
2 cups 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 Coffee Cake
2 cups Herman starter
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup oil
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 to 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 to 1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ginger
2 eggs
1/2 to 1 cup nuts
1 cup raisins, dates or apricots
Combine all ingredients and pour into a well-greased and floured 13-inch by
9-inch baking pan. Top with streusel.
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 to 1 cup brown sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons cinnamon
1/4 to 1/2 cup melted butter
2/3 cup nuts, optional
Mix ingredients and top coffee cake batter in baking pan. Bake 35 to 50 minutes
in 350-degree oven.
Glaze:
1 stick margarine
2/3 to 1 cup brown sugar
1/2 to 1 cup milk
Put ingredients in saucepan and boil for 5 minutes. Pour over baked coffee cake
when it emerges from the oven.
