Baking with My Youngest Buddies (recipe included)

 

This morning Dad took the older kids on our weekly grocery run. He left Amy and Oksana with me so that I could invest in them. As numbers 11 and 12 of our twelve children, they are learning most of their cooking skills from their older siblings as they help prepare meals. However, they haven't had much baking experience. This month Amy will turn 12 and Oksana 10 so it's the perfect season of childhood for them to learn the unique skills required for baking.

 

Our goal? To make Monster Cookies, a long-time family favorite. The recipe was passed on to me by my boss and dear friend when I left my position in hospital public relations 22 years ago to be home full time with our first three children after our twins, John and Lissie, were born.

 

Amy got out one of the key ingredients and at the same time discovered that we had four jars of peanut butter open. Oops!

 

The girls are still mastering the art of cracking eggs so there was a bit of egg shell to dig out of the bowl.

 

 

Happily, even with this one teaching session their skills improved!

 

Photo credit ~ Natasha

One of the things that makes these Monster Cookies so yummy is that you can add whatever extras you want to them. Today we threw in M&Ms, Heath Bits, coconut, and raisins.

 

Dad returned just in time to stir the massive amount of batter for us.

 

Photo credit ~ Natasha

 

The final product.

(Recipe below)

 

Monster Cookies

Mix:

6 eggs

2 cups brown sugar

2 cups white sugar

1/2 pound butter or margarine

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 Tablespoon Karo syrup

1-1/2 pounds creamy peanut butter (2 generous cups)

 

Add:

4 teaspoons baking soda

9 cups oatmeal

 

Add to taste:

nuts

raisins

chocolate chips

coconut, etc.

 

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Makes a huge amount, but these freeze beautifully. Recipe can be cut in half. Enjoy!