No-Bake Cookies

When I die I'm sure this is what my children will remember me for. These are Tyce's favorite. This morning Bryce asked him, "Did you eat breakfast?" and he said, "Yes . . . a no-bake cookie." For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, people.

These take as much effort as Rice Krispy treats, if you've never made them before. They have oats in them, so you know what that means . . . healthy. Haha. And they're so good you'll need a menacing kitchen chicken like mine to stand guard. (But between you and me, she doesn't really help).

NO BAKE COOKIES

2 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (like Hershey's)
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup milk (I have used 2% and skim and not noticed a difference)
1 pinch salt
3 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

********

Directions: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring sugar, cocoa, margarine, milk, and salt to a rapid boil for 3 minutes. (Note! If you do not boil long enough they will turn out runny and chewy and sticky--not good. I know from experience.)

Turn off heat; add vanilla. Add peanut butter and stir until melted. Add quick cooking oats; mix well.

Working quickly, drop by teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. Let cool. If you've done this right, they'll set up in just minutes.

Lick the spoon so nothing goes to waste.