Coffee Cake...but where's the coffee?

Does anyone else feel like they might melt away at any moment due to this horrible summer heat?  I'm only a few hours from CANADA for goodness sake, shouldn't it be just a little bit more comfortable around here?  I never thought I would be missing Boston's winter...

Even though it has been terribly hot I probably shouldn't be complaining because...it was only 75 degrees today!  And the beautiful weather caused me to be incredibly productive.  I woke up early, had a healthy breakfast, did pilates, booked campgrounds for the upcoming great adventure (more on this later), went to the pool to read for a while, and then went on a run.  All of which I accomplished before 1:00.

Now you are wondering, "why in the world did she just tell me all that...I don't care what she accomplished."  Well I have an answer for you.  There is only one reason I found this necessary.  It is for my mental health.  I am justifying the fact that after this healthy morning, I whipped up and devoured the coffee cake that I am about to give you the recipe for.  The coffee cake that has about 12 pounds of butter in it.  And about 5 pound of sugar.

But boy, oh boy was it delicious...and totally worth it.

Ready to indulge and love every second of it?

The Best Coffee Cake. Ever. -from the wonderful Pioneer Woman
 THE CAKE: 

• 1-1/2 stick Butter, Softened
• 2 cups Scant Sugar
• 3 cups Flour, Sifted
• 4 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1-1/4 cup Whole Milk
• 3 whole Egg Whites, Beaten Until Stiff

 THE TOPPING:

• 1-1/2 stick Butter, Softened
• 3/4 cups Flour
• 1-1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Cinnamon
• 1-1/2 cup Pecans, Chopped

 -Seriously don't be alarmed by the amount of butter.  Butter is wonderful.

1. This is my antique sifter that I am in love with.  That probably didn't require a "step 1" but oh well.

2. But really step 1...Sift flour, baking powder, and salt.  And set aside.

3. Beat egg whites until stiff.  Set aside.

4. Cream butter and sugar.  When smooth alternately add flour mixture and milk until combined.

5. Fold in egg whites.

6. Combine topping ingredients in a large bowl.

7. Pour batter into a well greased 9 x 13 baking dish.

8. Spread topping over batter.  Pop it into the oven and bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes.

9. Let it cool for a couple of minutes.

10. EAT!

11. Eat more!  And grab a cup of coffee...it is coffee cake after all!

 I should probably go on another run...but maybe I'll go get another piece...

A little heads up...
In about 14 days time Kaston, Nick, and I will be heading out on an epic adventure from Boston to Ozark.  Not only is this a road trip back home...it is also going to be a mini My Politic tour!  We will  be stopping in Philidelphia PA, Staunton VA, Asheville NC, Atlanta GA, Nashville TN, and Memphis TN.  The plan is to drive, play shows, eat good food, camp, explore, eat more and so on.  I will be documenting the trip via videos and this blog so check in occasionally to see what town we are in and what we are up to!  In the mean time check out their youtube page! My Politic Music