It was brought to my attention recently that I never include any baking in my column. An apt observation, to be sure, but I have a reason for my neglect of cakes and pies: I actually don’t have an oven. When looking for an apartment we were given the choice of an oven or a dishwasher. The decision was an easy one. I detest dishes.
I love sugary confections as much as the next person, though, and so I present to you today two recipes for not-so-baked goods.
1. Beaver Dams
The miniscule amount of effort required to make these delectable cookies is so amazing, it feels criminal sometimes. Chocolate lovers beware! These are too good to resist.
Ingredients: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup butterscotch chips, 1/4 cup butter or margarine, 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter, 1 cup peanuts, 2 cups chow mein noodles.
Method: Melt the first four ingredients in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring often. Remove from heat when completely combined. Mix in the peanuts and noodles until they’re completely coated. Use a fork to make small piles on waxed paper. Allow to cool before eating. They should look like tiny beaver dams. Delicious!
2. No-Bake Peanut Butter S’More Cookies:
I adapted this recipe from something I found online. I was skeptical at first, but these cookies surprised me with their rich sugary goodness.
Ingredients: 2 cups brown sugar, 1/2 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup milk, 3 tbsp. peanut butter, 1 tsp vanilla, 3 1/2 cups graham crackers (about one sleeve) broken into coarse chunks, 2 cups mini-marshmallows.
Method: Combine sugar, cocoa, butter, and milk in a saucepan pan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, add vanilla and peanut butter. Stir until completely blended. Slowly fold in the graham crackers and marshmallows. Spoon onto waxed paper and refrigerate until firm.