Chaos in the Kitchen

Today we kicked off our level one cooking group for 4-H.  We had 8 kids that came.  Most of them have been coming for a few years--so they know how things work!! I can pretty easily handle them all by myself now.  Maybe I am getting better at multitasking and thinking!! Or maybe they are just getting older!! At any rate, it ran quite smoothly today!

We had 4 girls and 4 boys.  Usually I break them into 2-3 groups, depending on what we are making.  Today, I just needed two groups.  Typically, I mix up the genders--boys do NOT do well in groups by themselves--it's the whole attention span thing--or lack there of!! 

But today I was in a good mood-and they PROMISED that they would mind well if they could do boys vs. girls.  So we did.  Even Cami got to help a little.  We used to make our own snacks before we cooked--but with the 4 day school week and a longer school day, that means that we only have 1 1/2 hours to work before they have to leave.  Now that may sound like a long time. . .but when you have 8 cooks in one kitchen. .it really is NOT!!  

We had popcorn for a snack.  October is national popcorn month.  Often times we make a popcorn inspired recipe to celebrate.  But not today. . for a change of pace we made Monster Cookies and hot cocoa mix!  And the cookies were MONSTROUS!! We used 18 cups of oatmeal (not including the other 2 or 3 cups that landed on the floor--it was a little like walking into a Texas Roadhouse--except we walked on oatmeal instead of peanut shells  :-) and 8 cups of assorted candies and chips to go in them!! We saw first hand what happens when you don't get your cookies the same size :-)  And I learned that you can take an underdone cookies and finish cooking it in the microwave!  See, even I learn things when I show up to the meetings! The kids were so proud as they walked out the door with a plate full of the huge cookies and a bag filled with supreme cocoa mix to enjoy tonight!! We enjoyed ours!

These are not a cookie that I would just make for my family--no particular reason, it just wouldn't be our first choice.  This was a new recipe that I pulled off the blessed internet last night--if you are so inspired by the month of monsters--try some for yourself-they scored a 10 by our team of taste testers!

Monster Cookies

6 eggs

3 cups brown sugar

2 cups granulated white sugar

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

3 cups creamy peanut butter

9 cups oatmeal (must be old fashioned rolled oats)

2 cups plain M & M's

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

4 tsp. baking soda

(you may also substitute any type of chip or combination of chips and m&m’s to get 4 cups of goodies)

Directions:

1. Cream eggs, butter, sugars, vanilla, and peanut butter.

2. In a separate bowl; mix oatmeal, M&Ms, chocolate chips, and baking soda.

3. Combine dry ingredients with creamed mixture and mix well.

4. Drop by large scoopfuls on to greased cookie sheet. (we used 1/4 cup measuring cups--heaping is TOOOOO big!! Dough flush with the top of the cup is just right!)

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.