This year's annual holiday tree lighting is set for 4:30 p.m. Nov. 29 in the University Union Courtyard, where the traditional Union Coffee Cake is sure to be a huge hit - it always seems to be enjoyed at the holiday festivities.

In the 1949-50 academic year, Union Coffee Cake was introduced in the student union cafeteria as a breakfast menu choice, becoming an instant hit with students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Lines would form before the cafeteria even opened and quite often the cafeteria would run out of coffee cake by mid morning. Union Coffee Cake continues to stir fond memories, especially for alumni from the 1950s through the 1970s.

A recognized tradition, Union Coffee Cake was mentioned in the lyrics of Donna Trammell's Forever Green, the official musical of the UNT Centennial in 1990. It now is served at various events such as Homecoming and the annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony.

Follow the recipe to make this North Texas tradition at home.

Cake:
½ cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla


Cream shortening and sugar together. Add egg. Blend in flour, baking powder and salt. Add milk a little at a time while mixing. Add vanilla. Pour mixture into an 8x8-inch greased pan.

Topping:
¼ cup margarine, melted
¾ cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup flour


Sift dry ingredients. Pour melted margarine over unbaked cake. Sprinkle dry ingredients over top. Bake in 350-degree oven until lightly browned and toothpick comes out clean. Do not overcook or topping will crack when served. Serve with North Texas pride.