cj's oatmeal cake

Right after I graduated from college, I moved to northern Virginia and got my first job at the Pentagon.  The first person I met there was someone who would become a close friend for years, Cathie (who I called CJ).  This is a cake she made for me and Chef D many years ago.  We loved the cake so much that we asked for the recipe and have made it many times over the past 20+ years since.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Butter and flour 8" x 8" pan.

1 c. quick oatmeal

1 stick butter

1 1/4 c. boiling water

Pour boiling water over butter and oats.  Let cool.

Mix:

1 c. dark brown sugar

1 c. white sugar

1 1/3 c. plain flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. soda

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. salt

Set aside:

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

When oatmeal mixture is cool, add 2 eggs and 1 tsp. vanilla.  When eggs and vanilla are well mixed, add the dry ingredients and mix well (but, do not overbeat).  Pour into pan and bake for about 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean.  Do not overbake!

While still warm, add topping of:

6 Tbsp. butter

1/4 c. pet milk

1/2 c. dark brown sugar

1/2 c. flaked coconut

1/2 c. chopped pecans

Mix above ingredients together and spread over cake.  Place under broiler for about 3-5 minutes to toast the coconut and pecans.