Moravian Sugar Cake (authentic)

Total Time: 4 hrs 45 mins Preparation Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 4 hrs

Ingredients

• 1 (1 tablespoon) package dry yeast, dissolved in
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2/3 cup shortening
• 1 cup hot mashed potatoes (if using instant, use water for liquid & do not add salt)
• 1 cup scalded milk, cooled to warm
• 6 -7 cups flour
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 lb light brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 dash cinnamon

Recipe

• 1 to proof yeast, add a pinch of sugar to the yeast in lukewarm water (hot water will kill the yeast action). if it foams, it is good.
• 2 in large mixing bowl, cream eggs, salt, sugar & shortening till smooth.
• 3 gradually add warm milk & mashed potatoes, stirring a bit. then add yeast, mixing well. add flour, a cup at a time, until dough is stiff enough to turn out on a floured board.
• 4 knead dough until soft & spongy (about 10-15 minutes by hand, or if done in a food processor, mix until it forms a ball). place in large greased bowl in a draft free, warm place & cover with a damp towel. let dough double in size (approx. 2-3 hours).
• 5 punch down and divide dough.
• 6 place in greased pie pans or large cookie sheets, cover & let double in size again (approx. 1 ½ hrs.).
• 7 spread melted butter on top of cakes, punching holes in dough about 1 inch apart with fingers. be careful not to punch down to bottom of pan but only half way down. mix the topping thoroughly & pour into holes in the dough.
• 8 sprinkle remaining crumbs over top & sprinkle with cinnamon.
• 9 bake in pre-heated oven at 350 for 20 minutes or until golden & fully baked on the bottom. serve warm.