First Attempt at a Food Post: Nutella No Bakes

I've been thinking about posting a recipe for a while now but I haven't had much success in the way of documenting the process. The idea of taking pictures, stirring, and not burning anything (myself, the food, the camera) all seemed a bit daunting. But every so often the planets align and the camera just happens to be charged and within reach--and voilà a food post is born.

A friend mentioned that she was making Nutella no-bakes for a cookie exchange and immediately my mind was blown. My longstanding favorite cookie has always been the traditional no-bake; my longstanding guilty-pleasure has been a spoonful of Nutella...insert math equation...divide the square root of a few quick Google searches...find the perfect adaptation on My Fabulous Recipes and come to the realization that you have all of the ingredients in the pantry. And if your brain isn't reeling from my terrible math, get ready for an ocular assault on your other senses.

One of the best things about this recipe is that there are only two steps (well, three or four for photography sake). Step one: in a heavy saucepan bring to a boil, the sugar, cocoa, butter and milk (it will look something like this)

Once everything is melted properly, let boil for one minute then add vanilla and Nutella. Be sure to take a few tastes of the Nutella before AND after you add it to the mixture. You want to be sure the product is up to par, or something like that. The Nutella is a finicky product when it comes to heat so my advice is to lower the burner to a simmer and whisk the Nutella until it becomes smooth. 

If the heat is too high the Nutella will seize and you will have a clump (albeit delicious) of trash. Add the oats (I used instant oats because that was what I had on hand) and combine until everything is well incorporated.

Drop teaspoon-sized blobs on to a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Do everything in your power NOT to lick your fingers as you push the mixture onto the pan. Cool in the fridge for as long as you can stand it, plate and enjoy! 

This is where I have to admit that I had help in this whole process. He did a great job manning the pan, stirring while I took the photos, and he kept me honest--no tasting until it is time! These are for guests...But who can resist those brown eyes? 

Admittedly, we both enjoyed one (or two) of these delights before we shared them with the rest of the house!
 

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa
• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 3 cups oatmeal
• Parchment paper or waxed paper

Directions

• In a heavy saucepan bring to a boil, the sugar, cocoa, butter and milk. Let boil for 1 minute then add nutella, vanilla and oatmeal. Stir well.
• On a sheet of parchment paper (or waxed paper), drop mixture by the teaspoonfuls. Set aside until cooled and hardened, about 30 minutes.

* Recipe adapted from My Fabulous Recipes - Nutella No-Bakes