Ever heard of a No Bake? If you live in Idaho the answer is, of course! It's a go-to cookie when you only have 15 min. but want to make something sweet. And as far as cookies go, it's moderately healthy as it's made with oatmeal (no flour, but make sure you use old fashioned oats (not the rolled or quick variety) to get the full health benefits), peanut butter, and milk. It happens to be my brother-in-law Anthony's favorite cookie and a recipe I have memorized. But apparently, No Bakes are a novelty if you live in California.

I made a quick batch of No Bakes to share with my team at work. The first comment was always, "Oh, those look yummy" followed by "these are really good" and finally "what are they and what's in them?!" Most were surprised to learn that oatmeal was a main ingredient and several even mentioned that they don't like oatmeal but these were delicious! Others were shocked to find out that you can just cook these on the stove, stir them up, and they magically form and stay set into a cookie. I really enjoy taking a step back and looking at other perspectives on something, that to me, was just a given!

 So, in the spirit of Valentine's Day, I'm sharing a personal favorite -- skip the store bought chocolates, impress your loved one, and make a homemade No Bake cookie to share with a glass of milk. Amare!

No Bake Cookies
Time: 15 min.   Makes: 1 1/2 dozen 
Whisk together in quart sauce pan: 
1 1/2 c. sugar     1/4 c. cocoa
Add and stir while cooking over med-high heat:
1/2 c. milk (overflowing)     
Bring to boil and boil for 1 min. Remove from heat and add while hot:
1/3 c. peanut butter     1 tsp. vanilla     1/2 c. coconut     3 c. oatmeal
Use large cookie scoop to form cookies and drop on wax paper to set.