Oatmeal Cake

1 C oatmeal
1 1/4 C boiling water
1/2 C shortening
1 C brown sugar
1 C white sugar
2 eggs
1 t vanilla
1 1/2 C flour
1 t baking soda
1 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1 t cinnamon
TOPPING:
1/2 C brown sugar
1/3 C margarine or butter
1/4 C milk or cream
1/2 C chopped nuts
1 C coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine oatmeal and water. Let stand for 20 minutes. Cream together until fluffy the shortening, sugars, eggs and vanilla. Add oatmeal mixture. Beat well. Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and beat well. Pour into greased and floured 9x13 pan. Bake for 35 minutes or until done. Combine ingredients for topping. Spread on hot cake and broil for 2-4 min. until brown. Watch closely!

ALTERNATE TOPPING: From: Nancy DeGorter
1/2 C brown sugar
1/3 C margarine or butter
1/4 C milk
1/2 C chocolate chips
1/2 t vanilla
Combine and spread on hot cake. Broil as above.