Herman’s Herman.

Join us as we follow our very own eternal friendship cake, Herman, as he travels around Buckie High School. Herman is alive! He exists as a sour dough yeast who dances, eats and grows over a period of 10 days. On day 10 you split him into 4; 1 part forms the base for your own German Friendship cake and the other three baby Hermans can be passed onto to your friends. Here you can trace Herman’s family tree and post stories and pics of your own Herman. A friendship cake that lives forever. What’s not to like? 😉

How is your Herman doing? Here’s how to treat him right;

German Friendship Cake

Hello, my name is Herman, I am a sourdough cake.

I’m supposed to sit on your work top for 10 days.

You CANNOT put me in the fridge or I will die. If I stop bubbling, I am dead.

Day 1. When you get Herman put him in a large mixing bowl or container and cover loosely with a tea towel or cling film.

Day 2. Stir well

Day 3. Stir well and talk to Herman

Day 4. Herman is hungry. Add the following ingredients, stir well and cover again.

115g/4oz plain flour (1 cup)

225g/8oz granulated sugar (1 cup)

225ml/8oz milk (1 cup)

Day 5. Stir well

Day 6. Stir well and talk to Herman

Day 7. Stir well

Day 8. Stir well

Day 9. Herman is hungry again! Add the same ingredients as day 4 and stir well.

Divide into four equal portions and give three away to friends with a copy of these instructions or keep one if you want to start a new batch.

The remaining Herman stays with you to be baked the following day.

Day 10. Herman is very hungry. Stir well and add the following:

225g/8oz sugar (1 cup)

1/2 tsp salt

225g/8oz plain flour (2 cups)

2 heaped tsp cinnamon

2 heaped tsp baking powder

175ml/6oz cooking oil (2/3 cup)

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla essence

2 cooking apples cut into chunks

1 cup raisins

Other options include: Pineapple, cherries, chocolate chips, coconut etc.

Mix everything together and put into a large greased baking tin. Sprinkle with 50g/2oz brown sugar and 50g/2oz melted butter. Bake for 45 minutes at 180°C Gas Mark 4.

When cold cut into fingers. This cake freezes well and is also delicious warm as a dessert with cream or ice-cream.