preachin' to the choir

I'm not sure how certain recipes are named. Fool? Devils on horseback? Whoopie pies? Dutch baby? Spotted dick? No clue. Another on that list is preacher cookies. I was first introduced to them at my childhood church's monthly fellowship meal, so I like to think that some little old lady made these for her preacher all the time and so they were named thusly.

What's more likely is that chocolate-peanut-butter-oatmeal-no-bake cookies was just too much of a mouthful to use on a regular basis. Whatever the reason, they're a delicious option when you're a)craving that oh-so-popular combination of chocolate and peanut butter, b)oven-less, c)an impatient baker, or d)all of the aforementioned. They come together quickly (though they do require some time to set up) and simply (one bowl!), plus they're made using things you probably already have on hand.

The kicker for this time of year is that they're very easily turned into nests for egg-shaped candies and the like. Abracadabra, you're suddenly one of the most festive and creative folks on the block.

Preacher Shepherd Cookies (for spring!)
Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup crunchy or smooth peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats

Directions:
In a heavy saucepan, bring the sugar, cocoa, butter, milk, and salt to a rapid boil.
Let boil for 1 minute, then add the peanut butter and stir until it's melted and well-blended.
Stir in the vanilla, then mix in the oats.
Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper. Allow to cool slightly, then, if you want nests, use your thumb or something similarly shaped to leave an indentation in each cookie.