Monday, January 30, 2012

Chocolate-Peanut Butter No-Bakes


     Do you ever have one of those days where you just need to "self-nurture"? You know, when for whatever reason you just wish you could call your mom and feel better? Well, for many of us, that isn't possible anymore...so, for me sometimes the combination of my love for cooking, an old favorite recipe of my grandmother's and of course a bit of chocolate tends to help for a moment. 


     If you are as old as I am, you will know this simple recipe. My dad's mother made these all the time. I'm sure it was created because it is made with ingredients that most people had in their kitchens all the time. I haven't made them in decades, but I saw them pinned on Pinterest a few days ago and I knew that I would be making them soon. Cookies today have more ingredients and tend to take longer to make. These go back to the days of simple, easy, inexpensive and made with staples.


     I don't even know the name of this recipe. My grandmother just called them "No-Bakes". They are sort of a cross between a cookie and a candy. They are not good for you...some days I just don't care about that!

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup milk
4 heaping T. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup peanut butter (I used crunchy)
3 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
2 tsp. vanilla

Add the first 4 ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil, and boil for 1 minute. Stir in the next 3 ingredients and drop onto wax/parchment paper. Let cool until set. 
 


     You can use a scoop and make them prettier than mine. I used a spoon, my goal was to get them done and eat them! Yes, I had 2 while they were still a bit warm...and one later in the afternoon. Then, I put some on a plate and gave them away because I knew I was in trouble. Sometimes we just take a hug from our grandmothers any way we can get it...yesterday, mine was with a bit of chocolate and a lot of memories.

14 comments:

dee dee said...

Sue,
Besides chocolate chip cookies these no bakes are my next favorite kind. You were good to only have 3, I would have eaten them all! Praying for some sun for you today!
Dee Dee

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Oh, I do remember these and I just happen to have all the ingredients. Thanks for the reminder.

nannykim said...

yum, these look so good.....But I need to loose about the 6 pounds I just gained from a 3 week cold and no activity!!!

nannykim said...

Well, no activity except eating a lot! lol

NanaDiana said...

I so remember these. Our school served them often as the dessert at the end of a starch laden meal! Ah....now THOSE were the good old days. I'll bet my granddaughters will have fun making these. I am copying over the recipe. Thanks- xo
Diana

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Hi Sue,
they look mighty good, and I am sure they taste even better than they look. I am with you about easy recipes, I saw a recipe just yesterday with just peanut butter,
dark chocolate and some kind of cereal, but can't remember where I saw it, but thought gotta try those, so easy.
I agree with DeeDee I probably would have made more, then put them in the freezer for the next day!! lol
Sometimes a girl just has to do what a girl has to do, and what a very nice reminder of your grandmother and mother.........
Hope you are doing well hon,
Blessings, Nellie

Barbara F. said...

I was thinking about these just the other day. I don't have any pb, wonder if it would work without it? And I understand where you are coming from, Sue :) xo

Glenda/MidSouth said...

I do remember those - have not had one in decades. :-D Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Enjoy your evening.

Patrice said...

Yum, I'd forgotten all about those cookies!

Low Tide High Style said...

Isn't it funny how old recipes can help you connect with lost loved ones?! I love these, though my mother rarely made them, but our school did. I used to make them for my children when they were little, but my husband has developed a peanut allergy...too bad, they were yummy!

Kat :)

Marigene said...

I haven't made those in years...when my kids were little, they are now in their 40's!

ShabbyESP said...

I made these cookies for Christmas, my sons LOVE them
They are good aren't they?
Enjoy your day!!!
Suzann ~xoxo~

Angie said...

Easy and tasty - that does sound like a dangerous combination! ;)

bj said...

These are some of our favorites. When I make them, we don't stop until we've
eaten them every one, tho. :) Love 'em.

No, no one has left a bad comment for me...but a sweet blogger friend sure got her feelings hurt...and that hurts me.