Kuchen (German Coffee Cake) -

1 c Water

1 tb Salt

1 c Sugar

1/2 c Melted shortening

2 pk Yeast

1/4 c Warm water

3 Beaten eggs

8 c Flour; (8 to 9)

2 c Raisins

1 cup water. Add salt, sugar, and melted shortening. Add yeast which has been dissolved in

1/4 cup of warm water. Add beaten eggs. Add about 4 cups of flour and beat. Add raisins and then additional flour in a cup at a time, beating after each addition, until you have a dough that can be handled. Knead until elastic. Put in greased bowl, cover and let rise until double in size. Punch down and knead again. Form into round balls and place in shallow pans (such as round layer cake pans). Let rise about 30 minutes or until almost double. Heat oven to

350 degrees. Moisten tops of loaves with water; sprinkle with cinnamon; and bake about 30 to 40 minutes or until top is golden brown.JM. I am happy to share my recipe for "Kuchen" with you. I may not be the worlds best cook, but I certainly appreciate good healthy food. My favorites are those made with Oregon grown fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and grains. This is a recipe from my Great Grandmother, which has been handed down through four generations. Governor John A. Kitzhaber, Oregon --