CARAMEL TOPPED OATMEAL CAKE

Here in the south there are some things that just define the culture... Some of those being the humidity (take note, southern women don't sweat, we "glisten")
The dialect (hun-neh and pah-dun, included)and especially important, the food.
And be quite certain there "ain't" no one that can serve it up like someone's momma or grandmomma. Those of you that were not lucky enough to be born in the south can cook like one, with the proper instructions, mind you.
Today we are going to examine some of those essential and defining southern dishes. Pretty soon, you will be serving up a slice of cornbread and sweet tea like a southern belle.
Ok, almost....we still need to work on that drawl.
In the meantime....the food.
Every Tuesday on my recipe blog, Plates and Places, I will introduce you to the fine art of southern cuisine... that being SOUTHERN STAPLES.

Today, I am sharing yet another fmaily recipe, this one from my mother. It is our variation of the infamous Bell Buckle Tennessee Oatmeal Cake. Not familiar? Oh, how I pity you. But don't feel to bad, this here recipe is a close second. And it is perfect for cooler weather, served warm, I can't think of anything more comforting-except doubling the topping recipe so that the icing will drip down onto your dessert plate so you can drag every single bite of cake through it. Yes, I am serious.

Momma's CARAMEL TOPPED OATMEAL CAKE

1 c. oatmeal (quick or old fashioned)
1 1/2 c. water
1/2 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 c. packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

CARAMEL TOPPING:

3/4 c. packed brown sugar
6 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. milk
1 c. flaked coconut (I leave this out for me and my family)
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Combine oatmeal and water. Microwave 3 to 4 minutes on high, uncovered. (Cook until it boils.) Stir once. Set aside. Soften butter in mixing bowl; add sugars; blend well. Beat in eggs. Add dry ingredients and oatmeal mixture; stir until blended. Pour into 12 x 8 inch dish (grease bottom only). Bake at medium for 10 to 15 minutes, turning dish once.
CARAMEL TOPPING: Combine ingredients. Microwave on high, uncovered, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir several times until thickened. Cool slightly and spread on warm or cooled cake.

Now, go, Slap someone's Momma. It's that goooood.