Mix and sift dry ingredients; add melted shortening and enough milk to make stiff batter. Spread ½ inch thick in greased pan; add top mixture. Bake about 30 minutes in moderate oven.

TOP MIXTURE

Mix dry ingredients; rub in shortening and spread thickly over top of dough before baking.


INDIVIDUAL COFFEE CAKES

Sift dry ingredients together; rub in shortening lightly with finger tips; add beaten egg to milk and add to dry ingredients to make soft dough; divide the dough into six long narrow pieces; with hands roll out on board each piece very long and thin; spread with butter; cut each in two and beginning in center twist two pieces together and bring ends, around to form crescent. Put into greased pan; sprinkle with chopped nuts. Bake in hot oven 15 to 20 minutes. While hot, brush over with thin icing made with ½ cup confectioner's sugar moistened with 1 tablespoon hot water.