1 1/4 c. boiling water
1 c. oats
1/2 c. butter or shortening
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. white sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. plain flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Pour water over oats and let stand for 20 minutes. Cream butter; add sugars, eggs, vanilla and oats. Sift dry ingredients together and add to creamy mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes.

TOPPING:

1 1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. buttermilk (1 tbsp. vinegar-lemon juice to milk)
3/4 stick butter
1 tbsp. white syrup
3/4 tsp. vanilla

Bring to boil - add 1 teaspoon baking soda. Boil to rolling - soft ball stage.