A Sunday Morning Treat

Winter weather has definitely arrived here in Iowa - it has been a gloomy and cold for several days....but then yesterday the below zero temperatures, 50-60 mph gusts of wind, and snow arrived...and along with it, all the typical closures (roads, activities, churches, and businesses). Growing up and living in Iowa, I expect this every year - but it doesn't make it any easier - I love to look outside and admire the snow....but having to walk the dog and clear snow with the terrible cold and wind is almost annoying. This morning greeted us with a temperature of 1 degree and a wind chill WAY below zero...but at least the sun is finally shining!

I decided it was the perfect morning to do a little baking, making my "go-to" coffee cake recipe. Cinnamon is one of my favorite spices, so this recipe is for a Cinnamon Coffee Cake. My time in the kitchen did a wonderful job of warming up our home (not to mention it smells amazing!).

Cinnamon Coffee Cake

3 cups plus 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
6 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup margarine
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar, packed
4 teaspoons cinnamon
4 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted and cooled

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Grease and flour a 13" x 9" baking pan (my personal choice is a 9" x 9" round pan, but it is so full it almost bakes over the sides).
• Mix 3 cups flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in the margarine until tiny pebbles form or mixture resembles cornmeal. Blend in eggs, vanilla, and milk. Stir just enough to thoroughly combine. Pour into prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Mix brown sugar, remaining flour, cinnamon, and melted margarine. Sprinkle topping over batter. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes - until a toothpick inserted in the center removes cleanly. When cool, drizzle with your favorite icing, if desired. Enjoy with your favorite hot beverage!

A fun note: My husband and I typically don't exchange Christmas gifts - we normally just purchase a couple things we need/want for our home....this year, a new Dyson vacuum and Keurig Platinum Brewer. My husband is a HUGE coffee drinker - the bolder coffee the better....I am more of a hot tea drinker, so this was a good compromise. I am quite impressed with how convenient this brewing system is...and how quick and easy! I have been enjoying an assortment of teas and several coffees (which is a treat, as I can have a lighter roast for a change). We already have quite an arsenal of K-cups...including several refreshing iced teas, which I have been sampling. This morning with my coffee cake, I enjoy a nice cup of Vanilla Carmel Cream coffee - yummy!

I just might be ready to go out and tackle snow removal and dog walking duties...and I am positive when I get back inside I will be ready for my cozy stitching nest...