Chocolate and coconut treats make a great care package

By Heather Holland
Western Herald

(Heather Holland/Western Herald) Chocolate peanut butter bars

My little sister is a freshman at Michigan State University, and I think it’s about time she got her first care package in the mail. I asked my Mom if she’s sent anything to East Lansing yet, and the answer was no; She’s much too busy going to Billy Ray Cyrus concerts right now to bake cookies.

Here’s the rundown of what I’m sending in her care package.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup peanut butter
6 cups of rice crispy cereal
12 oz melted chocolate chips

In a large saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and peanut butter. Cook over medium-low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add cereal, and still until coated. Spread into a greased 9x13x2 inch pan. Press lightly. Spread melted chocolate over bars. Let cool. Makes 1 ½ to 2 dozen.
How funny is it that the only thing my Dad ever cooks has “no-bake” in the title. In his defense, they are my favorite cookie, and I love when he makes them for me when I come home. We each have different recipes, but this is my favorite version.

Chocolate No-Bakes

1 ½ cups sugar
¼ cup margarine
½ cup milk
3 tablespoons cocoa
½ cup peanut butter
2 teas vanilla

Boil for minute. Remove to heat and add 3 cups oatmeal. Drop on wax paper and let cool in refrigerator.

Coconut macaroons are simple, delicious, and melt in your mouth like candy. Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra special treat.

Coconut Macaroons

2 ½ cups flaked coconut
¾ cup flour
1/8 teas salt
1 can 14 oz fat free sweetened condensed milk
½ teas almond extract

In a bowl, toss coconut, flour and salt. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and almond extract until blended. Mixture will be thick and sticky. Drop by round teaspoon full three inches apart on baking sheet lightly coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 300 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Cool for two minutes before removing to wire rack. Makes 32 cookies.

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Posted by HeraldAdmin on Sep 11 2008. Filed under Recipe, Weekend Scene. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Cody Kimball
Web Manager: I'm a Communication Student at WMU, a SCUBA Diver, Boater, Ordained Minister, Notary Public, Web Designer, Film Maker, DJ, and of course a Journalist. Born and raised in Port Huron, MI and a graduate of SC4. http://www.codykimball.com