Shindig 411

Make a Valentine’s Day gift for someone you love with this simple recipe from

Elizabeth W. Gift Baskets.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

PREACHER COOKIES

This teeth-chatteringly sweet, yet irresistible cross between a cookie and chocolate fudge goes by many names. My mom called her version “Preacher Cookies” because they could be whipped up quickly, and with common pantry staples, to serve when the preacher came a-calling unexpectedly. I don’t think preachers drop by unannounced anymore, but this simple recipe still provides almost instant gratification, making it the perfect recipe for cooking with kids. Let them line the cookie sheets with waxed paper, measure the ingredients, and put them in the pot. However, make sure an adult does the boiling and stirring part! Omit the coconut and just use 3 cups of oatmeal, if you prefer.

INGREDIENTS

(Makes about 2 dozen)

2 cups sugar

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup milk

1 stick butter

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups uncooked old-fashioned oatmeal (not quick-cooking)

1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

DIRECTIONS

1. Cover 2 large baking sheets with waxed paper. Combine the sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and butter in a medium sized heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Bring to a full boil and boil for exactly 3 minutes.
2. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Add the oatmeal and coconut and stir to combine.
3. Working quickly, drop the mixture by tablespoonfuls onto the baking sheets. Let sit for about 10 minutes until the cookies become firm. (Cookies can be stored at a cool room temperature in a covered tin for up to 2 days.)

FIND A GIFT FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST AT ELIZABETH W. GIFT BASKETS!

Gentlemen’s Choice $85