One of my favorite things to do is connect with friends and exchange news, catching up on what each other has been up to amidst the chaos of child-rearing, work and life in general. I am especially fond of get-togethers with my creative friends and family that involve working on projects! Recently, while visiting a friend and working on beading projects together, Erica served this yummy oatmeal cake.  Beads + cake + friends = the perfect morning!

I had never tried oatmeal cake before, and it was so moist and delicious, that I just had to get the recipe and share it here. So, grab a few friends and a craft project or two, sit back and enjoy the company of good friends and good food – isn’t that really some of the best stuff life has to offer?

Oatmeal Cake

1 cup quick oatmeal (or whatever kind you regularly use)
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup margarine
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Put oatmeal and boiling water in bowl, let stand 20 minutes.  Add rest of ingredients, beat well.  Bake in 9 x13 pan at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the oven.

Topping
6 tbsp margarine or butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 evaporated milk (i just use milk)
1 1/2 cups coconut
1/2 cup nuts (optional)
Mix together well and spread on warm cake (still in pan)  Broil until brown on top.  Cake with topping can be frozen.

Enjoy!