The month of January is my birthday and is filled with birth dates of my side of the family as well as on my husband’s side. My youngest sister came home from the hospital on my seventh birthday, she is the longest lasting birthday present I ever received. I like cake, especially chocolate cake. Some of our granddaughters did not inherit the love of chocolate gene, however. I remember that my mother was not a fan of chocolate, but that meant more chocolate for me. For family birthdays she would make a white layer cake with lemon filling and white fluffy icing. It was delicious, even if it wasn’t chocolate. I plan to make Apple and Banana Oatmeal Cake for my birthday and frost with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake will keep very well in the refrigerator for several days.

Apple and Banana Oatmeal Cake

1 Cup quick oats, uncooked

1 Cup boiling water

1/2 Cup butter

1 Cup white sugar

1 Cup brown sugar

1/2 Cup buttermilk

1 Banana, mashed

2 Eggs, beaten

1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 Cups flour

1 1/4 Teaspoon baking powder

1/2 Teaspoon salt

1/2 Teaspoon nutmeg

1 Teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 Cups diced, peeled apple

Pour boiling water over oats, allow to sit for about 20 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add soaked oatmeal, buttermilk and mashed banana. Mix well. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until blended. Sift flour, baking soda and spices and add to batter. Stir until dry ingredients are no longer visible. Stir in apples. Spread in well greased and floured 9 x 13 pan. Bake 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted into middle of the cake comes out clean. Cool before frosting.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

4 Ounces cream cheese, softened

6 Tablespoons butter, softened

1 Tablespoon milk

1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon

3 Cups powdered sugar

Beat cream cheese with butter until smooth, add milk, vanilla and powdered sugar. Beat until frosting is smooth and spreadable. Note: I sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting. Refrigerate.

Questions or comments: marlisz@aol.com