Food Therapy

Anyone who knows me knows that as much as I love to entertain and go to parties, I HATE showers!  Bridal showers, baby showers...you name it, I hate it.  I mean who really wants to sit around and see who can make the best "dress" out of toilet paper or have you answer questions to see if you really know your fiance?  Or better yet, watch a bunch of 30-somethings try to decipher a baby word scramble?  Talk about feeling like a moron.  The foodie in me didn't hate tasting the baby food, but Jesus, what genius at Gerber though that chicken and apples would be a good combo for an infant?!  I mean really?  Haven't they heard of focus groups?  Anyway...I digress...

The point is, my soon-to-be sister-in-law's shower is this weekend.  Since I love to throw a good party, I was actually looking forward to this one (aside from the 5 hr drive each way)...but, due to extenuating circumstances, I won't be able to go.  Liz...I will be thinking of you as you act surprised opening gifts that you picked out and as you wear your "hat of bows" as everyone takes pictures of you....I made sure that I put extra bows on my gift  :) 

And even though I won't be there, I am still contributing in spirit...Diane will be making the following on my behalf.  And by the way, it is so good that I just have to make some this weekend for myself!

The batter for this streusel-topped breakfast sheet cake can be prepped and chilled in the pan up to 18 hours before baking.

Overnight Cinnamon-Pecan Coffee Cake
¾ c. butter, softened
1 c. granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
½ tsp. salt
1 c. sour cream

Beat butter and granulated sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Combine flour and next 4 ingredients; add to butter mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Spread batter into a greased and floured 13x9 in. pan

Topping



Stir together brown sugar, pecans and cinnamon; sprinkle over batter. Cover pan with plastic wrap and chill 8-18 hours. Preheat oven to 350. Bake coffee cake 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Serve at warm or room temperature.

Regardless of the antics that go on at the event, one thing I can promise is that the food will be delish!  So, Liz...make sure that you try everything and drink a mimosa or 10 for me!  Love ya girl! Can't wait to add another female to the ranks!

Ahhhh...food therapy complete...