Chocolate Dreams

This recipe takes me back to my childhood.  One of the first recipes I was allowed to help with, and certainly one of the easiest.  You'll need some room in your refrigerator for the trays of cooling cookies...but not for long, as these cookies disappear quickly!

In a medium sized saucepan or double boiler, melt:
1/2 cup margarine (one stick)
2 ounces baking chocolate
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes to meld the ingredients, and alert your household to the wonderful smells of goodies in the making.  While it's cooking, measure out in a separate bowl or pot:
3 cups of rolled oats
1/2 cup of coconut
1/2 cup of chopped nuts.
If you have time, you can also prepare your cookie sheets headed for the refrigerator, by lining them with waxed paper.
Remove the chocolate mixture from the heat, and add
1 teaspoon vanilla.
For the grand finale, mix the wet and dry ingredients, combine well, and drop spoonfuls onto the wax paper covered cookie sheets.  Place sheets in refrigerator until cool.
These cookies are ok to eat as soon as they are cool enough to hold in your hand.

Coconut Graham Crackers

Simple, quick, and extremly yummy!  Great for last minute cookie swaps, holiday parties, or if presented in a lovely flat box or tray, a great addition to a gift basket.

Lay out graham crackers on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with

• coconut and 
• chopped nuts.

In small heavy saucepan, heat

• 1-1/2 sticks margarine
• 1 cup brown sugar

Boil for 3 minutes, until liquid is gone.  Pour over crackers, and put in 350 degree oven for about 8 minutes.

Fudge Cookies

This recipe came from Better Homes and Gardens magazine many years ago.
I saved the recipe aside for my fudge loving husband.  These cookies pack more chocolate flavor than any other cookie I've ever made.

In double boiler, combine

• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate pieces, 
• 2 Tablespoons margarine, and 
• 2 sqares of baking chocolate.

In a side bowl, prepare a mix of

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 
• a dash of salt, and 
• 1/4 cup flour.

Keep an eye on your melting chocolate, stirring frequently, prepare

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 eggs

When chocolate mixture is completely melted, move to mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.  Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla and beat well.  Add dry mix and beat until well mixed.
Stir in

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Drop by heaping teaspoons onto lightly greased cookie sheet (or parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until edges of cookies are firm, and top of cookie is dull and cracked.  Cool on cookie sheet for an additional 2 minutes to allow the cookies to complete setting. Transfer to wire racks to cool thoroughly.