My grandmother died last night. She was know as “Mimere” to her many grandchildren (and great-grandchildren), a French Canadian term that roughly translates as “Nana.” Mimere liked to cook – though for much of her life it was expected of her as a mother of seven children. Her approach to cooking was often more practical than fanciful; as feeding nine people on a daily basis was more pressing than trying balsamic vinegar or truffles. However, like most grandmothers, she knew how to pull off a holiday dinner with a dozen (or more) guest without a hitch. Feeding a crowd was certainly her specialty.
So today I’m offering a culinary farewell to her by posting one of her favorite cookie recipes – Cocoa Peanut Butter Dreams. These cookies are a family tradition; uncles, aunts, cousins and even my son all claim these as being their all-time favorite cookie. It was never a question of if these cookies were made – just how many batches should be made! Typically they are a Christmas cookie, but would often appear at other holidays and family gatherings.
Though the recipe is very simple, it is quite temperamental. “Boil one minute” means a hard boil for exactly 60 seconds; if the boiling period is too short, the cookies won’t set up, too long and they will be hard and crumbly. The milk should not be skim, as that too will affect the outcome. (If you normally use skim milk as I do, add some half and half to make the ½ cup.)
While these are far from the most beautiful cookies in the world, they have the power connect my family not only to each other, but to our past. Merci Mimere et adieu. Nous t’aimons.
Cocoa Peanut Butter Dreams
In a medium saucepan combine:
½ cup Butter
½ cup Milk
2 cups sugar
4 Tablespoons Cocoa (unsweetened)
Bring to boil for ONE MINUTE. Remove from heat and stir in:
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
Then add:
3 cups oatmeal (Quick – not instant or old-fashioned)
Drop by teaspoon (or tablespoon) onto wax paper. Let set at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, until set. Store in a sealed container, with a sheet of wax paper between the layers of cookies.
Makes about three dozen.
So today I’m offering a culinary farewell to her by posting one of her favorite cookie recipes – Cocoa Peanut Butter Dreams. These cookies are a family tradition; uncles, aunts, cousins and even my son all claim these as being their all-time favorite cookie. It was never a question of if these cookies were made – just how many batches should be made! Typically they are a Christmas cookie, but would often appear at other holidays and family gatherings.
Though the recipe is very simple, it is quite temperamental. “Boil one minute” means a hard boil for exactly 60 seconds; if the boiling period is too short, the cookies won’t set up, too long and they will be hard and crumbly. The milk should not be skim, as that too will affect the outcome. (If you normally use skim milk as I do, add some half and half to make the ½ cup.)
While these are far from the most beautiful cookies in the world, they have the power connect my family not only to each other, but to our past. Merci Mimere et adieu. Nous t’aimons.
Cocoa Peanut Butter Dreams
In a medium saucepan combine:
½ cup Butter
½ cup Milk
2 cups sugar
4 Tablespoons Cocoa (unsweetened)
Bring to boil for ONE MINUTE. Remove from heat and stir in:
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
Then add:
3 cups oatmeal (Quick – not instant or old-fashioned)
Drop by teaspoon (or tablespoon) onto wax paper. Let set at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, until set. Store in a sealed container, with a sheet of wax paper between the layers of cookies.
Makes about three dozen.
posted by Christine | 10:14 AM
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