Gastro 101: Chocolate no-bake cookies

by Gina Biber
- The Capitol Hill Times - 

Chocolate No-Bake Cookies are among my favorite ways to ease back into the school year. They make a great after-school (or after-I-drop-my-kids-off-at-school) treat, and with the reduced amount of free time that you’re allotted, you’ll be pleased to know that these oatmeal-based cookies take only a few minutes to prepare (no oven necessary), and freeze well if you want to make a double batch and store them in the freezer to snack on when you’re too busy to bake.

Ingredients
(Makes about 26 cookies)
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk/soy milk
1/2 cup butter/margarine
3 tablespoons powdered cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup non-sweetened peanut butter
3 cups oatmeal

Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, mix all ingredients (except peanut butter and oatmeal), while cooking on medium-high, until mixture comes to a full boil.

2. Continue stirring and let boil 1 full minute.

3. Remove from heat, stir in peanut butter until dissolved, and then add oatmeal.

4. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper and let cool completely.

Gina Biber / The Capitol Hill Times