Oatmeal Cream Pies

I'm not going to go on and on about how behind I am on posting, but I'll just share with you that my friend Nicole and I made these little pies of goodness sometime in October- I think. They are meant to be just like Little Debbie's Oatmeal Cream Pies- only better. They are WAY better + no chemicals = a win, right? The cookie is soft & chewy and the filling is light & fluffy- its much lighter than a butter cream, which I usually prefer.

We added chocolate chips to half the batter, but I think I prefer the simple pies without them.

P. S. Check out my little helpers (Gavin & Noodle). Aren't they cute?

Brown Sugar Crack Pie

 The original name of this recipe is "Crack Pie." It is very intriguing. It MUST be good if that's what its called, but I had to Google it 10 times before I could figure out what kind of pie it was. I think this name fits it better and tells you what's in it. Yummy goodness, that's what. Its almost too hard to describe. Brown sugary. Caramely. Salty. Sweet. Gooey. Custardy. Almost like a pecan pie without the pecans and with an oatmeal cookie crust. Its perfect after a long day. Who am I kidding? Its perfect after a short day too.  I forgot what blog I originally saw this featured on, but the recipe is from Epicurious. Apparently its crafted after a famous pie at Milk Bar in NYC? Never been, but I don't think I need to now!

Note, this includes a lot of chilling time. Don't skimp on that or it won't set up properly! I made mine the night before and it was perfect.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

After looking at the list of recipes I posted recently, I realized that I never make cookies. Don't get me wrong, I like cookies. A lot. But I always want to make something "more exciting." Sometimes though, you just want something classic, comforting and reliably delicious. Quick is nice too. :) These cookies are all of those things. I love how they are slightly chewy and caramely. They are always a hit and go pretty quickly. The dough isn't half bad either.... ;) I really prefer to use the mini chocolate chips- I don't know why, but I think it tastes better.

 The original recipe is from this funny little "chocolate" recipes booklet called Chocolate Fantasies by Oxmoor House that my mom gave me. I have no idea where it came from, and the original published date was in 1987, but all the recipes I've tried so far are SO good. There are really just too many recipes to ever try all of them, but I want to try. Mississippi Mud Cake is calling my name next...

Miss Debbie's No Bake Cookies

These cookies remind me of home. My mom (Miss Debbie) always wanted to make these with me whenever a craving hit. They are perfect since you just cook them up on the stove in a few minutes and then you let them harden on wax paper. I always used to swipe my finger around the warm, gooey edges to make sure they were good. By good I mean not poisonous. :) They never look perfect, but they always taste great- the combo of PB, chocolate and salty oats is very yummy in my tummy.

When my mom came to visit a few months ago, she told me on the way back form the airport that she had a craving! haha surprise surprise! We had to call my roomie to make sure we had "Quick Oats." Check!

The regular kind of oats will not be cooked thoroughly in this recipe and result in very chewy cookies.

One note- make sure you pay close attention to the cooking time- too little and they will not setup, too much and they will be like rocks... They taste best the first day, but they will keep for a day or two- best to give away!

Miss Debbie's No Bake Cookies
Makes about 2 dozen small cookies

• 2 cups sugar
• 3 heaping TBSP cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup salted butter (If you use unsalted, add a pinch of salt)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (I use creamy)
• 3 cups Quick Oats
• 1 tsp vanilla

First things first, spread some wax (or parchment) paper on your counter. In a large pot, melt sugar, cocoa, butter and milk over medium-high heat. Stir continuously until it comes to a boil.  Pay close attention! 

After it comes to a boil, reduced heat and boil for 1 minute while you keep stirring. Make sure your other ingredients are already measured out and ready to go...

Turn off heat and add peanut butter, oats and vanilla, stirring quickly until thoroughly mixed. 

Place onto wax paper by the spoonful and allow to cool and set slightly before eating.

Wash those sticky fingers and enjoy!