Oat Fudge (or whatever you call them)

vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, tree nut-free

Adapted from a recipe by my mom!
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I grew up calling these delicious morsels Oat Fudge, but many others call them "no bakes" or "preacher cookies" or even "cow patties". Whatever you call them, they're a crowd-pleasing treat that's simple to make. They also hold up pretty well so they're a good choice if you want to make them a few days in advance and give away in holiday tins - I remember my mom even sending them to me in the mail when I was at summer camp. They were as delicious as ever! These harden best when made on a day that is not too humid. If the cookies still seem gooey after one hour of setting, all is not lost! You can always eat them with a spoon or keep them frozen until ready to serve, which is also delicious in hot weather.

rolling boil

Yield: about 24 cookies  / Prep time: 15 min / Total time: 1 hour 15 min

Ingredients:​

• 1 stick (1/2 cup, 113 g) Earth Balance butter*
• 1 1/2 cups (315 g) sugar 
• 1/3 cup (30 g) cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (130 g) non-dairy milk 
• 1/3 cup (80 g) peanut butter**
• 1 tsp (5 g) vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups (200 g) uncooked whole rolled oats (old-fashioned is best), plus more if necessary

Directions:

1. Combine butter, sugar, cocoa, and milk in heavy saucepan.  Cook over
   medium heat, allowing to boil for 5 minutes (start timer when tiny
   bubbles begin to appear - should be rolling boil for about 4 minutes - see photo above).
2. Remove from heat. Add peanut butter and vanilla. Stir well, then
   stir in oats.***
3. Drop spoonsful on waxed or parchment paper and allow to rest at room temperature for at least one hour. 

*Stick butter is best because it has less moisture content than the kind that comes in a tub. I've never tried making this with another brand of vegan butter, but let me know if you do!
**Creamy or crunchy work and the measurement doesn't have to be exact, so feel free to eye-ball it!
***Once the oats go in, the mixture should hold together and no longer seem runny. If it's not holding together, try adding up to an additional 1/2 cup of oats.