The flavouring extract was added after eggs and a cup of milk had been stirred together, and, lastly, the flour with powder was mixed in. The batter resulting was just a bit thicker than a self-spreading concoction would be. Miss Miller poured it out into the three pans and the girls spread it over the bottom.
"I can judge the right heat in an oven by thrusting in my hand, but many housekeepers use a thermometer to ascertain the right temperature for baking," said Miss Miller, trying the oven as she spoke.
In a moment she added, "Bring the tins—the oven's ready!"
She opened the oven-door carefully a few times during the ten minutes the cakes were baking, while the girls hung over her shoulders and sniffed delightedly. Then the tins were taken out and the cakes removed to cool before spreading the jelly over each layer. When one layer was placed on top of the other, the cake presented a most tempting look.
"We won't bother to ice this one, as we ought to make a corn-starch pudding for dinner while the stove is hot. And remember, girls, these things all go to help win a coup!" reminded Miss Miller.
While the girls stirred the ingredients for the simple pudding, the Guide asked, "Do you know where starch comes from?"
They looked thoughtful for a time, then Zan said, "I think I have heard, but I never took much notice of it."
"Well, starch is found in potatoes. Of course there are many starchy products but potatoes form the principal supply. We find starch in cereals—in rice, corn and sago. As you can see, the starch we used just now is made of corn. If one uses cold water to dissolve starch, it forms a paste, while hot water forms it into globules that are used to stiffen linen and articles."
The pudding was finished and the Guide thought it a pity to waste such fine heat. So it was decided to cook the vegetables for dinner and save time at camp.
"Prepare to give me a merit!" cried Zan. "I propose that we eat dinner on the lawn for a change!"