3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons toasted wheat germ
1/2-cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups very hot water
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. and grease 2-quart baking dish with butter or vegetable shortening.
Sift the flour, cornmeal, ½ cup of brown sugar, baking powder, and salt into a mixing bowl. Stir in the wheat germ. Stir in the milk, melted butter and vanilla until the batter is well combined.
Spread the batter into the prepared dish and sprinkle the remaining 3/4-cup of brown sugar over it. Now for the interesting part: pour hot water over the cake. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until very lightly browned. Serve warm with ice cream.
