Herman Starter/Feeding Instructions And Herman 10 Day Coffee Cake

Herman Starter:

1. In a large glass jar or crockery pot, dissolve yeast in water. If the water is too hot, it will kill the yeast. Add flour. Beat until smooth. Cover and let set at room temperature for 48 hours. Use 1 cup only to begin feeding instructions as if a friend had just surprised you with a cup gift of Herman.

Herman's Feeding Instructions:

1. Today you received a cup of Herman from a friend. Herman feels most comfortable in a large glass jar or crock. Feed him sugar, flour and milk. Put him in the refrigerator and stir every day. On the fifth day, feed him again, the same amounts as Day One. Continue to  stir every day. On Day Ten, you will have 4 cups of Herman and you will be ready to bake a Herman cake. You will use 2 cups of  Herman in the cake, save one cup for future Herman baking and pass one cup along to a friend. 

2. Don't forget to give your friend the feeding instruction too!

Herman Coffee Cake:

1. On Day 10 you will have 4 cups of Herman. Use 2 cups for baking, put 1 cup in refrigerator and give 1 cup to a friend.

2. It’s a good idea to let the 2 cups Herman stand at room temperature for a few hours before baking. Mix all ingredients at medium speed until blended. Blend in nuts and apples or raisins, if desired.

3. Pour into greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Combine all topping ingredients and sprinkle or spread on cake batter. Bake 40-50 minutes at 350 degrees. Glaze with maple glaze, if desired.

Maple Glaze:

1. Combine maple syrup and melted butter and glaze Herman coffee cake.