Baking for Newbies

Last night on Twitter there was a discussion over a bad experience someone had making cookies in their oven. The week before someone was bemoaning the fact that Christmas shopping sucks without a list (I have one with stored mapped out on it already). I suggested baking for everyone for Christmas (cheap and everybody like it), and if you are a non-baker to stick to easy stove-top stuff. Being a nice person, here are two easy and delicious stove-top recipes.

1. Chocolate Frogs (makes about 36)

Ingrediants

1/2 cup cocoa powder

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup flaked coconut

3 cups quick rising oats

Steps

1. Line 2 cookie sheets with wax paper

2. In a large pot stir together cocoa, sugar, milk, and butter

3. Boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat

4. Stir in vanilla extract, coconut, and oats. Combine well.

5. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets. Refrigerate for one hour or until set. Keep in the fridge until needed.

These also freeze well.

Rice Krispie Cake (http://www.ricekrispies.com/recipes/the-original-treats)

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows
• — OR —
• 4 cups miniature marshmallows
• 6 cups Kellogg's® Rice Krispies® cereal

DIRECTIONS

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

2. Add KELLOGG'S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.

3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares. Best if served the same day.

If you want to make them fancy, put some sprinkles on top :)