Bake vs. No-Bake

Red velvet sheet cake


Mamaw's No-Bake Cookies -- chocolate, peanut butter, oatmeal madness!


I promised myself I wouldn't get too wordy on this blog, but I have to tell you a story.

One day, when I was around 3 or 4, Mom asked if I wanted to make cookies. The answer to that question was always yes, not just because I loved cooking with my mom, but also because I loved eating cookies. In abundance.

When I asked her what type of cookies we were making, she said, "no-bake cookies."

"No bake?" I asked, the wheels in my mind already beginning to stir.

"Yep," she said, "you don't have to bake them. And they're ready really fast."

Oh, the angels were singing, the sun was shining, the world had just become a more gorgeous place. Cookies that required no baking and were ready in moments? Sign me up.

Then I saw my mom start to mix some sugar, cocoa, butter, and milk -- in a saucepan on the stove top.

And that's when my Irish temper just got the better of me.

"MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! YOU SAID NO-BAKE! NO-BAKE! WHY ARE YOU TURNING ON THE OVEN?"

"Randi, I'm not baking them, but I have to melt the butter with the chocolate and the sug-"

"YOU SAID NO BAKE! NO BAKE! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE!"

I couldn't believe she could betray me like this. I expected her to put a few items in a bowl, wave her magic wand, and present me with a plate of delicious cookies. I had no idea MELTING was involved.

Well, long story somewhat shorter, the cookies were ready in all of ten minutes and were delicious, even if I did have to endure some chastising for my inappropriate temper tantrum.

And let me tell you, Mamaw's No-Bake Cookies are delectable and worth it, even if you do have to turn on the oven.

*****

In other news, I made a red velvet cake (my super-specialty) for a baby shower recently. I was incredibly bummed about the writing and the decorations, but practice is only going to make it better. Good thing this cake is so scrumptious you don't want to look at it for long!