No-bakes

I think Gary Chapman, the author of The Five Love Languages was wrong. This Chinobilly believes there are actually six love languages. And I feel it is my duty to share with the world the 4 people crazy enough to read my blog that yes food IS a love language, a beautiful love language. Just the other day I was sniveling on the blog about having the case of the grumpies. Later that afternoon my sweet friend Stephanie brought over 3 loaves of homemade bread to cheer me up. Oh yes, it did. I felt loved, refer to Love Language #3: receiving gifts, true ,but oh the bread was so good, so comforting, so buttery, so delicious. Gary asks the question “Could it be that gift giving is a fundamental expression of love that transcends cultural barriers?” Possibly, Gary, but I believe FOOD is THE fundamental expression of love that transcends cultural barriers. Maybe I’ll have to pull him aside one of these days, say like when I meet him in heaven, and explain my philosophy. Oh never mind, by then it would be too late. Aren’t you glad you have me to blog about such important matters?
Don’t answer that.
Sometimes though, I just want to self-medicate with a good cookie, and I don’t want to run the oven. Since I was 12, the answer to many of the world’s problems has come in the form of anything served on a dessert plate no-bake cookies.
I’ve had other peoples’ no-bakes, and (my least favorite) purchased no-bakes, but mine are really the best. (It’s a modification of my mother’s recipe and several tweaks here and there over the years.) They are also quick and easy to make, and (unless you need the cookies because your offspring are driving you nuts) they are a great thing to make with kids. Here goes:
No-Bake Cookies

2 cups sugar
¼ cup butter
½ cup milk
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I’ve used crunchy, but if you go this route you should use a little more peanut butter overall, maybe 1/3 cup more).
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups instant oatmeal
Place sugar, butter, milk and cocoa in large saucepan, and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for exactly one minute. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until peanut butter melts. Stir in oatmeal. Drop by the spoonful onto waxed paper or a silicone baking mat, and allow to cool.
*Note: you can leave out the cocoa but if you do I would recommend you up the oatmeal to 3 cups.
Love,
The crazy chinoiblly sharing this 6th love language with the world, one recipe at a time.