Many of my friends would rather go out to eat or order in than to cook for themselves. I personally think it is easier to throw a chicken in the oven, rather than figure out the kind of food we all want to eat and where to go– what a hassle that all is! Especially with the concern around COVID-19, it’s so much easier. Let’s see if I can convince you too.
First, cooking saves you money. Eating simple, homemade food is much cheaper than eating at a restaurant. Even purchasing processed food at the grocery store will cost you more than cooking from scratch. You can do cost-effective planning, like eating seasonal vegetables that are cheap and fresh, choosing cuts of meat that are on sale, and making larger portions so you will have leftovers. Most families (mine included) love leftovers!
Second, you know exactly what is going into your food. When I go to a restaurant, I ask a million questions about the preparation of the dish and what ingredients they use. Cooking at home will ensure that you have control of the sugar, oils, and salt in your food.
Third, cooking keeps you healthy. Let’s face it, with all the work that goes into deep frying, you probably will not be making french fries at home. You will choose something easier, with simple ingredients that will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle– like baking your potatoes instead!
Finally, cooking at home brings the family together in a comfortable, healthy environment. This is truly the most important aspect about cooking at eating at home. Time in the kitchen and around the table strengthens family bonds, gets everyone to talk and just be together (and you know I’m all about that).
This is one healthy snack you can make for your family, and there is no actual cooking involved. The different sugars make these a sweet little bite, but not so sweet that they’re overpowering. The peanut butter and milk add creamy goodness and the vanilla is the savory touch that these cookies need. The oats give them a nice crunch texture and the salt allows the flavors to shine and brings an elevated taste. Perfect for breakfast, snack or pick-me-up any time of the day.
This recipe is courtesy of Delish and will make 2 dozen cookies for people who will totally dig this special little cookie.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies:
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cut into cubes
1/2 cup milk
1 cup smooth peanut butter
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugars, butter, and milk.
Bring mixture to a boil and boil 1 minute.
Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter, vanilla, and salt until combined, then stir in oats.
Drop tablespoonful’s of mixture onto prepared baking sheet and let set until cooled and hardened, about 30 minutes.
It’s that simple!
