Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Squares

Although featured in the "Great Women Chefs" cookbook, this recipe of Kathy's is simple comfort food.

Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Squares

Filling:
1 1/4 cup boiling water
1 cup oatmeal
1/4 lb. butter
2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda

Mix water and oatmeal and set aside. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Slowly add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and soda to wet ingredients. Add oatmeal mixture. Grease and flour one 9" x 14" baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes, or until the cake tests clean.

Topping:
12 Tbsp. butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup coconut flakes
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Blend well and pat onto cooled cake. Cook under broiler until bubbly, and brown sugar is cooked. Cut into squares and serve.

Serves 8 to 12.