Creating a Monster

by Cynthia Allen-Linck
07-10-08

We have come a long way from the sourdough of the pioneers. I am sure that many of you have been blessed with a gift of Herman the Sourdough Starter. Herman is a delightfully active little creature that you keep in the refrigerator. You lovingly stir him daily and "feed" him on the 1st and 5th days before using part of him on the 10th day to make wonderful baked goods. Herman makes delicious cookies, cakes, pancakes, and of course breads.

On a warm Sunday morning I created Herman 2 (I killed Herman 1 somehow). I put him into a ½ gallon glass jar and sat him on the counter. I was gone for a bout 3 hours and when I came home, there was bubbling sourdough all down the sides of the jar and pooling around the base of the jar. So... I put the active little fellow into the refrigerator.

Each day I stirred Herman 2 and realized right away that he was quite aggressive. He was difficult to handle. I feared he was going to outgrow his jar! On Thursday, the 5th day, I dutifully fed my baby, and he continued to grow by incredible proportions.

On the following Sunday, I opened the refrigerator (just 7 days after the birth of Herman 2) to find the zinc lid - with a glass insert - on the jar was bulging from extreme pressure inside the jar. I was scared to open it for fear something would break. I carefully removed the lid, and before I could lay it on the counter the beast within was flowing from the top of the jar like lava from a volcano!

I baked bread and cake and started over with my very active friend. I mistakenly thought Herman 2 would settle down and be "normal. Not so. In that second week I fed him Sunday and on Thursday - then had to bake again the next Sunday! I had bred a 7 day Herman somehow! I created a monster capable of mutating out of control if I did not keep an eye on him. I didn’t want the creature to sprout legs and take over the farm! Maybe Herman 2 was attempting to exact his revenge for the murder of Herman 1.

Create your own Herman..... if you dare....

Herman Yeast Starter
2 cups warm water 1 T sugar
2 cups flour 1 T yeast
Combine in a large glass container. Cover with a towel. Put in a warm draft free place. Stir 2-3 times a day for about 3 days or until starter is bubbly and produces a yeasty aroma. Cover and refrigerate.

When you bake (or share), use all but 1 cup of Herman. Then replenish by doing the following:

Stir Herman every day.

Day 1 - Feed Herman 1 cup flour, 1 cup of milk, and ½ cup of sugar.
Day 5 - Feed Herman again.
Day 10 - Bake or share.

Try these:

Sourdough Biscuits
1 cup Herman starter 1 cup flour
1/4 t. baking soda pinch of salt
Mix well. Using a tablespoon, drop onto ungreased baking sheet. Let stand for 10 minutes, then bake in 375 degree oven for 15 minutes. Serve warm with lots of butter and jelly!