Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Summer Desserts--No Oven Needed


Sometimes you just want a homemade dessert, even when the thermometer is climbing close to (or beyond) the century mark. Turning on the oven, however, is one of the last things we want to do, both for cost and overall comfort. Spending a lot of time in the kitchen is probably also not high on your busy summer list of things to do.

In the next couple of days, I'll be posting some desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth with only minimal cooking and short preparation times. The first is adapted from my daughter-in-law's childhood favorite, "No Bakes." I have reduced the sugar and butter slightly (original amounts are in parentheses) so you can pretend they are just a little healthier!  Taken in reasonable quantities, these can add some nutrition to the day without too much guilt--the only problem is that "reasonable quantities" is a term hard to stay within with these goodies. Feel free to go back to the original too--these are still going to be lower in calories than a lot of the dessert options you might otherwise choose!

Amy's No-Bakes

1 c sugar (originally 1 1/2 c)
1/2 c milk
1/3 c butter (originally 1/2 c, one stick)
1/2 c chocolate drink powder (Quik or similar product)
1/2 c peanut butter, smooth or chunky
3 c oatmeal--rolled oats; not instant and not old-fashioned
1 t vanilla

1.  Stir the first five ingredients together in a large pan and bring to a boil over medium to high heat. Stir often to be sure the mixture does not stick.
2.  When the mixture comes to a rolling boil, continue boiling for one minute and then remove from heat.
3.  Stir in the oatmeal and vanilla. Mix well and then drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.

Depending on the size that you make these, the yield will be 30 to 36.

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