by Chris Rawstern
When looking at recipes for cookies, there is always the thought of the baking time. If you do not have a convection oven, it usually means baking in many batches, so the oven is on for long periods. What if baking was not necessary? When a busy Mom is on the go, anything that is quick and easy is going to be the first option. These recipes have been made many times over my years as a Mom, and I hope to pass along these recipes for everyone with time at a premium.
No Bake Caramel Cookies
In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 3/4 cup butter and 2/3 cup evaporated milk. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil, stirring often. Remove the pan from the heat and add in one small package of instant butterscotch pudding mix and 3 1/2 cups of quick cooking rolled oats. Mix this together thoroughly and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Drop the dough from a teaspoon onto waxed paper. This will make about 5 dozen cookies.
No Bake Chocolate Haystacks
There are many existing recipes with this same title, but this is my favorite. In a large saucepan combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup unsweetened butter. Bring to a full boil, stirring to mix well. Remove from heat and add in 3 1/2 cups quick cooking rolled oats, 1 cup coconut, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Drop this mixture quickly from teaspoons onto waxed paper and allow to cool. This should make about 48 cookies, depending on size.
No Bake Apricot Macaroons
This recipe could not be easier with only 4 ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of shredded coconut, one 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, 2 cups finely diced dried apricots and 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts. Mix thoroughly and chill for at least 30 minutes. This dough is very sticky to work with. Shape the mixture into small balls and roll into powdered sugar. These cookies should be kept refrigerated.
Apricots can be replaced with another dried fruit of choice such as raisins, dried blueberries or craisins. Tart fruits with the sweetness of the condensed milk make these so tasty. The use of craisins or dried cherries mixed with some green glaceed cherries for Christmas time would make a lovely presentation.
These recipes are all so very easy to make quickly. They are also good ways to have children learn about how to measure ingredients. They can be taught very young about filling a measuring cup or spoon and using a straight edged table knife to scrape level. They can be taught the measuring cup sizes and how to measure liquid ingredients. The actual combining is something a 6 or 7 year old child can do, as well as the scooping out of cookies onto the waxed paper. Forming them into balls is a simple process for these last cookies, and having sticky hands is surely no deterrent to a child.
Have fun with children and grandchildren making some of these cookies. Take delight in the time made more enjoyable by sharing and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I hope it was informative and helped you along your own culinary journey. You will find many more recipes and helpful tips on my web site. I am on Facebook at A Harmony of Flavors and share a recipe or tip each day to the fans that have liked my site. I hope to see you there soon.
Chris Rawstern has been on a cooking and baking journey for 42 years. Join him as he continues his journey in cooking and sharing his love of food with you. Visit his Web site www.aharmonyofflavors.com his Blog at www.aharmonyofflavors.blogspot.com and his Marketplace at www.a-harmony-of-flavors-marketplace.com or Facebook page A Harmony of Flavors.
