When I was younger, my mother was always at home and we had snacks after school.  Having her there and knowing that we were taken care of was one of the ways we knew mom loved us.  It’s not that way so much anymore.  Moms and dads are busy and there are many more expectations on our time than there used to be.  I still enjoy cooking for my family when I have time, so today I made Chocolate No Bake Cookies (my mom used to cook them for us) for Mr. Jack.

Combine 1/4 Cup each sugar, cocoa, milk, and margarine in a medium sized sauce pan.  Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a rolling boil.  Not a wimpy boil, but rolling, so the entire surface has large bubbles coming up to the top.  Remove from heat and add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 Cup peanut butter.  Stir to mix.  Add 1 1/2 Cup oatmeal (or corn flakes) and 1/2 Cup chopped nuts (if desired).  Stir well just until thoroughly combined, but do not over stir or it will get too hard.  Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.

Cool.  Enjoy!

Chocolate No Bake Cookies

!/4 Cup each butter, cocoa, and milk

1 Cup sugar

1/4 Cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 Cup oatmeal or corn flakes

1/2 cup chopped nuts, if desired

Combine butter, cocoa, milk, and sugar in a saucepan.  Cook over medium heat until it comes to a rolling boil, stirring gently.  Cook for 1 1/2 – 2 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Add peanut butter and vanilla, stir until blended well.  Add oatmeal and nuts (if desired) and stir until thoroughly blended.  Drop by spoons onto waxed paper.  Cool.  Enjoy!