Reindeer Droppings

Reindeer Droppings

1/2 cup of butter [1/4 lb.]
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa[unsweetened]
1/2 cup milk

Mix all the above in medium saucepan until butter is melted. Simmer for one minute.
Remove from heat and stir in:

3 cups of quick cooking oatmeal
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 cup of peanut butter [smooth or chunky] ---optional
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup of nuts [walnuts or pecans]
You can throw in a handful of shredded coconut if you wish [I don't]

Drop by teaspoonfuls on a wax paper lined cookie sheet. You can put them very close together as they won't be growing. Lightly cover with more wax paper. Chill in fridge.

Cecily Brownstone's Raisin Walnut Bread

1 pkg. dry yeast

1 1/4 cups warm water

3 Tbsps. butter, soft

1Tbsp.sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 1/4 cups coarsely chopped walnuts

1 1/4 cups golden raisins

3 1/2 cups (approx.)whole wheat flour---If I have wheat germ on hand I substitute 1/4 cup for 1/4 cup of the flour....

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup of the warm water.

Stir in remaining water, butter, sugar and salt.

Stir in nuts and raisins, then enough of the flour---about 3 cups---to make a firm dough.

Knead on a lightly floured surface about 10 minutes, until smooth and stretchy, working in as much of the remaining 1/2 cup of flour as needed to keep it from sticking.

Form into a ball and place in a greased bowl, turning to grease the top.

Cover and let rise in a warm, draught-free place 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until doubled.

Punch down and divide in half. Form each half into a ball. Do not flatten.

Place well apart on a large, greased baking sheet (I just sprinkle mine with flour or cornmeal, skip the grease.)

Cover with a clean dish towel and let rise, as before, for 45 to 60 minutes or until doubled.

Bake in a pre-heated 400 degree (F) oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean.

*Cover with foil during the last 10 minutes to prevent raisins on the surface from overbrowning. (I forgot to do this so had some burnt raisins to deal with---lesson learned!)

Remove loaves to wire rack to cool completely (if you have more patience than I !)

Make a cup of tea. Cut a few slices. Butter lavishly, and enjoy....