Patricia Mitchell's Banana Pecan Oatmeal Cake

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F

Step 2: Grease a 9x13-inch pan.

Step 3: Combine the flour, oatmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg.

Step 4: Mix well and set aside.

Step 5: At medium speed of an electric mixer, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 7: At low speed,

Step 8: Add the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk and mashed bananas, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.

Step 9: Beat only until ingredients are blended

Step 10: Do not over beat.

Step 11: Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 12: Spread evenly in the prepared pan, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Step 13: Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 14: Topping:

Step 15: In a small saucepan

Step 16: Melt the butter.

Step 17: Add the brown sugar, milk, coconut and pecans, and stir well.

Step 18: (Or, melt the butter in the microwave and combine with the remaining ingredients.)

Step 19: Spread the topping evenly over the cake.

Step 20: Place cake in a preheated broiler about 6 inches from the heat.

Step 21: Broil for 2 minutes or until golden brown.