Oven at 350 degrees. This will make a 9 x 13 inch cake, or a frosted layer cake.

1/2 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. "Herman" starter
1 1/2 c. applesauce
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. allspice
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tbsp. sugar
2 c. flour
1 c. raisins
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Cream together shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs. Stir in "Herman", applesauce and spices. In small bowl, blend salt and baking soda and sugar. Sprinkle over batter and stir gently. Add flour and stir until smooth. Add raisins and nuts and stir well. Pour into cake pans (or 9 x 13 inch pan) which have been greased and lightly floured. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes (about 45-50 minutes for 9 x 13 inch pan) until toothpick comes out clean. Cool and frost.

ICING:

1 c. soft butter
Approximately 2 c. powdered sugar
1 egg yolk, soft boiled if desired
Maple flavoring
1/2 c. whipping cream
1 tsp. sugar

Mix butter and powdered sugar with egg yolk. Add maple flavoring to taste and a little brown food coloring if desired. Whip cream and sweeten with teaspoon of sugar and fold into maple flavoring. Or use a cream cheese icing.