By Staff
Michelle Blaylock, Mom's Corner
I have had several of my kids' friends ask for recipes I frequently make. I love to share my recipes. I have known women who don't like to share recipes because it's "their recipe" with secret ingredients, so only they can make it. I can kind of understand that in a way, but I prefer to share mine.
Anyway, I thought this week I would share a couple of my recipes that people ask me for the most. These are also recipes that children can help with.
The first one is "Chocolate No-Bake Cookies." This recipe seems to be one people either love or hate. It is a no-bake, but not a no cook recipe. Here's what you need for this recipe: 2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1 stick butter (real butter tastes best), 4-5 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 3 cups quick-cooking oats, 1 teaspoon vanilla, a 9 x 13 pan lined with aluminum foil and sprayed with oil (like Pam).
In a medium size pot, add the butter and slowly begin to melt over medium heat. As it begins to melt add sugar and milk. Stir until butter is completely melted and then add cocoa powder to taste. Cook on medium-high until mixture comes to a rolling boil. Boil for 11/2 minutes, remove from heat add vanilla and peanut butter mixing quickly until peanut butter is melted then add oats. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Pour into prepared pan and let cool. This is one of my "I need something for snack–quick" recipes.
Also, when I do this recipe with children I let them add the pre-measured ingredients before the cooking begins. I will let older children stir when cooking on the stove. However, after the boiling begins I finish up.
My family loves to have homemade yeast rolls. I usually fix them at least once a week. Here's my "Quick Yeast Roll" recipe. I can have them on the table in about 30 -45 minutes (depends on how many times I'm interrupted). The ingredients are: 2 cups warm milk (powdered milk works, too), 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/3 cup warm water, 1 pkg yeast, flour to make a soft dough (I'm guessing 4-6 cups. I don't usually measure this, so it could be a little more.)
In a small bowl mix warm water and yeast, stir and sit aside. In a medium bowl, combine milk, sugar, and salt. Stir until sugar is dissolved; add yeast mixture and stir; add oil and mix. Now add flour until you have a soft dough.
You do not have to knead this dough on a board or counter, just beat it well with a spoon while it's in the bowl.
Next pinch off dough and shape into the size rolls you want. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. If you have time you can let the rolls rise, if not just pop them straight in the oven. Bake for 10 – 20 minutes depending on the size of the rolls. My kids love these and will eat the leftovers for snacks.
This is a fun recipe for children. They can add ingredients and do some of the mixing. I usually have to finish up the mixing once the dough gets really stiff. However, the kids can pinch the dough and make up their own rolls. This recipe is also good for kids because it has no eggs, so if they sneak a taste it won't hurt them.
If you have a favorite recipe to share, please send it to: Mom's Corner, P.O. Box 1496, Hartselle, AL 35640, or e-mail: moms-corner@juno.com.