No-Bake Summer Cookies

We were having some new friends over for play date and R and G wanted to bake cookies. Trouble was, the weather was H-O-T and turning on the oven was not in my plan.

(Am I the only one whose kitchen habits reflect the weather outside, even with modern heating and air conditioning? Despite having a cool indoor A/C climate, when the weather is in the 90s outside, baking is not on my agenda.)

A little light bulb went off in my head and I decided to start researching ideas for no-bake cookies. I found a few different recipes, but I wanted something different, so we made up our own recipe. We've made this recipe multiple times and it alters beautifully...so I have listed many different options. Create away!

No-Bake Summer Cookies

2 cups non-sugary cereal (corn flakes, Os, rice krispies)
2 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup ground flax seed -OR- coconut -OR- wheat germ -OR- more oats
1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries, dates, apricots)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (OR more dried fruit)
1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses -OR- honey -OR- corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a large bowl mix the cereal, oats, flax seed (or coconut or more oats), dried fruit and chocolate chips. Stir well to distribute ingredients evenly.

In a microwave safe pyrex or other container, combine the nut butter, brown sugar and molasses (or honey or corn syrup). Stir well. Microwave on high for 45 seconds. Stir. Microwave again for 45 seconds, stir, and quickly add the vanilla.

Pour the brown sugar mixture over the cereal and stir well.


Once combined, but still warm, roll into little balls.

Makes about 4-5 dozen cookies.


Peas and love,
SPC

PS--yeah, I know, I usually post our meals for the week on Mondays. It is a busy week full of random things, plus T-ball, the last day of school for R, and our block party. In other words, it is going to be a fly-by-the-seat of your pants type of cooking week.