Recipe Thursday - Unbaked Cookies

Well.... I am off to a very slow start today. Not sure why but everything just seems to be out of control today and taking twice as long as it should. Don't you just love days like that?  Hmm.... not so much. I wasn't sure if I would actually get a recipe done today what with feeling under the weather and all but I am getting much better and although I really couldn't see myself tackling anything large I decided to make one of my favorite treats. Be warned!! These are not a "good for you" treat. In fact they are decidedly bad for you but in such a delicious way that I must make them a few times a year just because. I'm sure I have mentioned (probably a few times) how fond I am of chocolate and peanut butter together so these are of course right up my alley.  I try very hard not to eat much of my baking but since these are technically not baked they don't count... right??? Well, that's what I plan on telling myself!

Unbaked Cookies

First lets gather the ingredients: These are sooo simple! 

2 cups white sugar

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup butter or margarine which is all I had on hand today

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

3 cups oatmeal

First grab a medium sized pan and add the sugar and cocoa powder. One little trick I have learned regarding cocoa is to always mix it with the sugar first in a recipe if possible. That way you never end up with lumps and no whisking is necessary.

Then add the milk, butter and peanut butter and place over medium heat. Stirring continually bring to a nice full boil and set the timer for 1 minute.  Continue to stir while it bubbles away for that minute then take it off the heat.

Add your vanilla and oatmeal. I had to take a picture of the vanilla bubbling away. I find it funny how adding the vanilla always makes the mixture bubble like crazy. Sorry... no picture once the oatmeal was added. Must have forgotten to take one.  Plop by fairly large spoonfuls onto cookie sheet. You can put down parchment or wax paper first but I don't have any in the house as I hate buying "disposable" items. 

Then allow to set in a nice cool place for about an hour or so. A few hours is preferable but they rarely get to sit that long. Enjoy!! I won't have a post for tomorrow but plan on posting on Sunday to make up for it if I find the time. See you then!

Recipe Thursday - Mountain Man Makes Chocolate Bar

What is it with some people and sweets? It seems like a little isn't enough and lots just means make more. Whatever it is, Mountain Man has a sweet, sweet tooth and if I don't bake enough, or even if I do, sometimes it still isn't enough and he craves something more. Especially when it comes to chocolate! Sigh..... I've gained only a couple pounds this winter but if I'm not careful I will gain a couple more!

Well....  this last week apparently the cookies, scones and other treats were not quite enough to satisfy his craving so he decided to do something about it himself. Now, I certainly don't mind when he takes over in the kitchen! There is nothing so satisfying as watching a man cook. At least for me that is. But it's what he makes I have such a problem with, as I know it will be something I want to eat and don't dare. It will also be something he takes great pleasure in tormenting me with. In his laughing good natured way that is. He loves to take very, bad for me things, and break them into very small bits, put them in front of me and say, "see, its just a small piece." He knows full well that I can never stop at just one! Oh dear! Whatever will I do with him? (shaking my head and laughing out loud). So without much more adieu here is his recipe (or rather what I saw him put in it) that I couldn't seem to stay way from this week...  But be prepared! It is NOT good for you!

Mountain Man's Chocolate Bar

Search cupboards to see what is available. Pull out chocolate chips and salted peanuts. Place on counter. Look and root around some more...  Hmm... Not much there. Suddenly spy cornflakes. Gaze at them thoughtfully and finally grab them too.

Find medium sized pot in bottom cupboard. Place on stove in nice warm spot. Start pouring in chocolate chips until you think it is enough. Add some more just in case it isn't.

Stand by stove and stir chips with wooden spoon while they melt. Be careful not to melt too fast and don't burn them.

When all is nicely melted remove from heat. Pour in peanuts. Give it a stir. Pour in corn flakes. Stir a bit more. Maybe a few more cornflakes. Yep! That's about right.

Scrape into a shallow baking dish and spread out (usually my 9 x 13 cake pan). Cover. Take outside where it is freezing cold or place in refrigerator for an hour or so. (Just a side note if I was making this I would put wax or parchment paper on the bottom of the pan first and I would use the crisped rice instead of the corn flakes.)

Once cool and hard bring back in and crack into small pieces. Place in front of wife with wicked grin knowing she is going to eat some because she can't help herself. Settle back to watch and grin. Maybe move it a bit closer to her so she sees all the lovely little bits waiting for her to eat. Grin some more.

Sigh.... See what I mean? Oh, and if your wondering why there isn't a picture.... It's because we ate it all! and I gained another pound........