Kuchen

Kuchen

5 C. flour

 1/2 oz. cake yeast

 1 t. plus 1/2 C. sugar (divided)

 1 pint scalded milk (remove 1/2 C. and let cool to lukewarm)

1/2 C. butter

1 t.  salt

grated nutmeg

2 egg yolks, beaten

Warm bowl and flour

Crumble yeast into cup with 1 teaspoon of sugar and the 1/2 cup lukewarm milk. Set in warm place to rise.

To remaining scalded milk add the butter, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, salt and nutmeg, and, when lukewarm, add beaten egg yolks. Using flat wooden spoon, stir in the yeast and flour. Mix well, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover loosely and let rise until doubled in bulk.

Divide into four equal parts. Use dough in one of the following ways:

For Schnecken:
Take one part of the raised kuchen dough. Roll out 1/2 inch thick and spread well with melted butter. Sprinkle generously with scraped maple, brown or granulated sugar and cinnamon, then roll it up. Cut the roll into equal parts about 1 inch thick and place close together endwise, on a well-buttered pan; spread with layer of brown or maple sugar.

Let rise until light, and bake 10 to 20 minutes in hot oven (400°F.), until golden brown.

For coffee or sugar kuchen:
Flour the board and take one part of the raised dough. Roll 1/2 inch thick and place in well-greased oblong hollow pans. Brush melted butter over the top and sprinkle with sugar and a little cinnamon. Let rise until light and bake a golden brown in a hot oven 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from pan.