Foodie Friday No-Bake Beastie Cookes

No–Bake Beastie Cookies (Prep. time about 40 minutes (including cooling time) Makes about 3 dozen)

These tarantula treats and multi-eyed monsters don't even require baking and a few decorations elevate them to holiday standards from just no-bake cookies.

1 stick butter

2 C. granulated sugar

1/2 C. milk

1/4 C. peanut butter

3 C. old fashioned oats

¼ C. cocoa

1 Tb. vanilla

Pinch Kosher salt

Licorice whip strings

candy eyes, cinnamon candy or silver cake decorating beads for eyes

You want to have everything measured and lined up ready to go since you have to work fairly fast as you cook the candy (I know. They call them cookies, but they really are candy.) and get the mixture spooned, shaped and decorations set before it cools too much.

Cut the licorice strings for legs (four per treat, long enough to protrude out both sides of the body.  Set the candy eyes aside so you have them ready for assembly. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. Set the legs on the wax paper ready to receive the mixture when it’s cooked.

Bring to boil the butter, milk and sugar. Boil one minute. It's important to watch the time or your treats will come out too gooey.  Stir in peanut butter. Reduce heat and stir until the peanut butter is melted in. Add oats, cocoa and vanilla. Mix thoroughly.

Allow the mixture to cool slightly so it doesn’t run all over when you drop the chocolate/peanut butter/oatmeal mix by spoonful onto the licorice. Press candy eyes into your little Beasties’ 'face.' Allow to cool about a half hour.  Can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.