Iris decided to make another batch of her oatmeal tonight. It’s a great, healthy snack. That got me thinking about oatmeal too, but, well, the not so healthy version.

I’ve been itching for some chocolate no-bakes for a while. I have an old recipe that I’ve made many times. My step-brother and I used to make this after school before anyone else got home, and we would play a board game and chow through a whole batch in one sitting, then clean-up very carefully so no one knew we just pigged out.

So, without further ado, here’s the recipe:

Chocolate No Bakes

1 1/2 c sugar

5 Tbls. Cocoa (we like equal exchange)

1/2 c whole milk

1/2 c margarine or butter

4 Tbls. of peanut butter (or a bit more, just b/c)

3 c oatmeal

Combine sugar, cocoa, milk, and butter. Slowly bring to a boil stirring constantly to avoid scorching. Stir at a boil for 3 more minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, then add peanut butter and oatmeal. Mix thoroughly, then quickly pour into a 9×13 pan, or make cookie drops. Let cool, or enjoy gooey and warm.

Yum.

Oh, did you want the granola too?

Cinnamaalicious Granola

Ingredients:

¼ Cup   Packed Brown Sugar

¼ Cup    Honey

1 Tbsp    Vegetable Oil

¼ tsp   Salt

¼ tsp   Cinnamon

2½ Cups Oat Meal

½ Cup   shelled pistachio

½ Cup   Dried Cranberries

¼ Cup   Chopped Candied Ginger

1 tsp. Powdered sugar

Heat the oven to 300°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix the brown sugar, honey, vegetable oil, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl, the stir in oat meal and pistachios. Spread the mixture on the parchment. There’ll be some clusters. Don’t sweat it, those are good bits. Bake until the oats are toasted and the granola is dry about 25 minutes. Stir about halfway through. Let cool.

Mix about a teaspoon of powdered sugar with the dried cranberries and chopped candied ginger, then stir into the granola mix. Store in an airtight container.