Mardi Gras Cinnamon Coffee Cake

 Mardi Gras King Cake is a long time tradition in Louisiana, This is my take on a classic recipe mixed with Mardi Gras Monkey Bread and fluffy Coffee Cake. 

INGREDIENTS

UNITS: US

• 2 
  cups flour
  1 
  tablespoon baking powder
  1 
  teaspoon salt
  1⁄4
  cup shortening
  3⁄4
  cup milk
  1 
  teaspoon vanilla extract
  1⁄4
  cup butter, melted (or very soft) 
  1⁄2
  cup sugar
  1 
  teaspoon cinnamon
  
  chopped pecans (optional)
• —————————-
• GLAZE 
  1 
  cup powdered sugar
  1 -2 
  tablespoon milk
  1⁄4
  teaspoon vani

• Combine flour, baking powder and salt; cut in shortening.
• Add milk and 1 tsp. vanilla; stir with fork just until dough leaves sides of bowl.
• Roll dough out, on lightly floured surface, into a 1/4 inch thick rectangle.
• Brush top with butter (I prefer to use soft butter rather than melted).
• Combine cinnamon and sugar; sprinkle evenly over dough.
• Sprinkle with chopped pecans (or other nuts or raisins) if desired.
• Roll up, starting on long side.
• Cut into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
• Place rounds, with sides just touching, in greased 9" round pan.
• Bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
• Remove from oven and drizzle with glaze, serve warm.
• For glaze: Combine all ingredients and beat until smooth.