Economical Coffee Cake

In the summer of 1994 we took our kids, aged 11- 16, on a missions trip to Lithuania. I think it was the best summer we had as a family! An older couple, in charge of the project were Mennonites from Lancaster, PA and I quickly grew to love and admire Marion L. who taught me how to smile and be flexible in a kitchen that was not stocked the way we were used to. This is one of the recipes she shared with me and I still like it because sometimes simple is the best!

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, room temp.
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Method:

1. Beat soft butter and sugar with wooden spoon or hand mixer until well mixed.
2. Add egg and milk.
3. Combine dry ingredients and stir in with wooden spoon.
4. Spread into greased and floured 9x9 inch pan.
5. Choose your topping and spread over top.
6. Bake at 350° F for 25 - 35 minutes – longer if using fruit topping.

Topping Variations:
* Plain - 1/3 cup brown sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
* Apple - arrange thinly sliced apples on top before sprinkling on ¼ - 1/3 c white or brown sugar mixed with cinnamon. Bake at 350° F, 40 - 45 minutes.
* Cinnamon/oat - combine 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle over top of batter. Bake at 350° F, 30 minutes.