Cookies are good, chocolate is better!

 I have had a hankering for a specific cookie I used to adore as a child for a couple of weeks now. So, last night my mother called my grandmother in California and got the recipe for me. As I was making the cookies today I was thinking, "Holy cow, it would be REALLY easy to adapt these for Logan!" So, let me share the recipe, both the original version, and the adapted version, so you can use your favorite substitutions in this lovely chocolaty piece of heaven.

It should be noted that in order to enjoy these cookies to the fullest, they should be called by their proper name.  I have heard others erroneously refer to them as "No Bake Cookies". How boring is that? Now really, coming from the Monster House, you just have to know they have a name that is MUCH more interesting. It originated when my aunt was in college. The CORRECT name is Monkey Vomits. This lovely little name also makes them appropriate for Halloween party treats... as long as they don't have to go to school. As we all know, homemade treats are no longer allowed at school parties. Bummer.

Here we go. I just know that your family will love them as much as mine does. I made 5 dozen of them today. There are 4  left.

Monkey Vomits (the regular version)

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2c. milk

3 T. Hershey's cocoa powder (generic OK)

1 cube margarine, melted

pinch of salt

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Stir all ingredients together in a large heavy pot. Heat until boiling, then boil for one full minute. Then add:

3c quick oats

1 t. vanilla extract

Stir together thoroughly, then drop by tablespoonfuls on waxed paper, a silpat mat, or parchment. Allow to cool completely and set until the cookies are no longer gooey in any way.

Monkey Vomits(the gfcfsfcf way!)

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2c.  almond, potato, or soy milk

3 T. Hershey's cocoa powder (generic OK)

1/2c. Earth balance spread (soy free), melted

pinch of organic sea salt

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Stir all ingredients together in a large heavy pot. Heat until boiling, then boil for one full minute. Then add:

3c gluten free quick oats

1 t. real vanilla

Stir together thoroughly, then drop by tablespoonfuls on waxed paper, a silpat mat, or parchment. Allow to cool completely and set until the cookies are no longer gooey in any way.

frazzledmomma note: you MUST use quick oatmeal, the regular oatmeal will not set up. Also, if it is humid outside, the cookies will not set properly. They will stay soft and gooey. We've been known to eat them that way, too! Oatmeal will state on the package what kind it is. Usually either "quick" or "old fashioned" will be on the label.  If in doubt, read the instructions. If the recommended cook time is more than 1-2 minutes on the stove top, they are not the quick variety.