Herman

It's been doing the rounds at work for a month or so now. Whispers, promises, furtive trades - not in gossip or illicit substances you understand. Oh no. I'm talking about something much more serious, I'm talking about Herman. Herman came into my possession this morning but I've been after him for weeks. He is a browny/yellow and smells pungent to say the least. But that's all quite understandable really because Herman is a sourdough starter.

I don't know who named him that but it was in bold at the top of the set of instructions I received. All I have to do now is follows said instructions on when he'll need feeding, when he'll need stirring and perhaps more importantly, when he'll be ready to divide. If all goes well, in approximately 10 days time, the baking will begin. Hopefully I'll make a German apple cake with one quarter of the increased Herman as the instructions suggest, will pass two quarters on to colleagues and will save the final one for myself. I'll feed it again for another 10 days and then may attempt some new recipes, bread perhaps? I almost feel sorry for my boyfriend, we're moving in together the weekend after next and he has no idea I'll be bringing stinky Herman with me... I bet he won't complain about the baked goodies he provides though.