Cake and Bread

4 mushrooms or 2 round loaves:

1/4 cup margarine
1/2 pound mushrooms, finely chopped
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 cups milk
3 tablespoons molasses
4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup warm water (105 F to 115 f)
2 Packages active dry yeast
1 egg
1 cup wheat germ
8 to 9 cups all-purpose flour

1. Melt 2 tablespoons margarine in large skillet over medium heat. Add mushroom and onion; saute until onion is tender and liquid has evaporated. Cool
2. Heat milk; stir in molasses, salt, and pepper. Cool to lukewarm.
3. Measure warm water into a large warm bowl. Sprinkle in yeast; stir until dissolved. Add lukewarm milk mixture, egg, wheat germ, and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough additional flour to make a stiff dough.
4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic (8 to 10 minutes). Place in a greased bowl; turn to greased top. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double in bulk (about 1 hour)
5. Meanwhile, use four 30-ounch fruit  cans to prepare  Mushroom Pans (see below)
6. Punch dough down; turn onto lightly floured surface.

To make Mushrooms: Divide dough onto 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth round ball. Place in prepared Mushrooms Pans. Let rise in a warm place until double in bulk (about 1 hour). With fingertips, gently press lower edge of mushroom cap down to meet foil-covered collar. Reshape cap if necessary. If desired, brush mushrooms with a mixture of  1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water. Bake on lowest rack position at 400 F about 40 minutes or until done. Carefully remove from pans and cool on wire racks.

To make loaves: Divide dough in half. Roll each half to a 14×9-inch rectangle. Shape into loaves. Place in 2 greased 9×5x3-inch loaf pans. Cover; let rise in warm place until double in bulk (about 1 hour). Bake at 400 F about 45 minutes, or until done. Carefully remove from pans and cool on wire racks.

Mushroom Pans: Cut 4 heavy cardboard squares 2 inches wider than can opening. Trace can opening in center of squares and cut out. Cover rings with foil. Place rings over cans so they fit tightly around opening. Grease cans and foils collars well.