No Bake Cookies to celebrate National Chocolate Day!

I got these in just under the wire!  My day got derailed when I had to go pick up one of my kiddos from school and take him to the doctor.  He's either got strep or mono or a virus...whatever it is, he's miserable!  So I did not get to spend much of my day in the kitchen at all.  After everyone went to bed, I decided I needed to make SOMETHING chocolate, so what better to whip up than no-bake cookies?!  They're quick and easy, you don't have to bake them (duh), and they're soooooooooo yummy!  I never seem to use the same recipe twice (are you noticing this is a trend with me) but it's a pretty basic formula: butter + sugar + milk + cocoa: boil, then add peanut butter, vanilla and oats!  Voila!  

First, you take your butter (and that is gen-u-ine buttah, folks!):

Add your sugar:

 And your cocoa:

 And your milk:

 Stir together (doesn't it look dreamy?!):

 Bring to a FULL rolling boil, and boil for exactly ONE MINUTE (less = runny cookies that don't set; more = dry, crumbly cookies):

 After 1 minute, remove from heat and stir in peanut butter & vanilla.
Then add your oats:

Stir together until fully combined.  Let rest for a few minutes (this will help the cookies keep their shape):

 Mmmm...don't you just want to eat it right out of the pan??  But CAUTION!  It is HOT -- boiled sugar is TOO hot to eat out of the pan!!!  Don't do it!!

 Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper, using the back of the spoon to flatten slightly (they keep their shape when you drop them)

 Let cool completely.  Keep in an airtight container.  Try not to eat them all in one setting!

HAPPY NATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY!!!!

Recipe:
1 stick butter
2 c. sugar
4 Tbs cocoa powder
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. peanut butter (crunchy or smooth - your preference)
1 tsp. vanilla
3 c. quick oats

 Combine butter, sugar, cocoa and milk in a heavy saucepan.  Bring to a full rolling boil, boil for exactly 1 minute.  Remove from heat, stir in peanut butter and vanilla.  Add oats and stir until fully combined.  Let set in pan for a few minutes, then drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon as you go.  Cool completely, then enjoy!