gram's coffeecake

Big fail on the run today.  Just didn't feel like running in the cold, so after two miles, I called it good and went inside to bake.  Much better.

Thanksgiving is all about memories, and one of my favorite is of holiday coffee cake my Gram used to make.  We'd all crowd around the freshly baked goodness and eat until our stomachs hurt.  Good stuff.  Her coffee cake forever tainted all of the sweets that try to pass themselves off as this treat.  It's more like a sweet bread with a touch of cinnamon, and it's the only kind I like.  Gram might be gone, but her memory lives on every time I make up a batch.  Plus, her recipe is classic "Grandma" - I'm still learning just how much flour to add!

Gram's Coffee Cake
Mix 8 or 9 cups of flour with:
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt (or more)

Mix well.  Add:
1/4 lb softened butter or margarine (1 cube)
2 eggs
1 pint milk, scalded and cooled
2 packages of yeast

Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon or by hand.  (I find I am kneading at the end to get it all incorporated). Let rise in a warm spot until double (2 or 3 hours). Divide into 2 rounds, and then each round into 3 equal parts. Roll into strips 18" long and braid. Place in round cake pan (or pie pan). Repeat with second round. Let rise another 1 to 2 hours.

Mix together 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon cream (or more), and 1 teaspoon sugar. Brush top of loaves with mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.  Bake at 350º for 20 - 30 minutes.