We spent the last 10 days holidaying, hiking, sightseeing and visiting relatives. Smack dab in the middle of our little vacation we went on a grand adventure- my very first backpacking trip! I've spent a lot of time hiking, but had never experienced the challenge of being in the wilderness for multiple grueling days with everything I need carried on my back. Well, husband did carry the tent.. and tent poles, cook stove, sleeping mats and water.. but that's besides the point..
We saw wildlife, slept to the sound of crashing waves, spent time with a really great couple, suffered a few injuries and consumed more meat and cheese than ever before! However, my sweet tooth and baker's heart had to sneak in a special treat for the trip..
No-Bake Chocolate Haystack Cookies:
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- a pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3 cups quick oats
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- optional nuts, marshmallows or seeds (for extra energy during a hike!)
Combine the sugar, butter, milk, cocoa and salt in a saucepan until boiling. Allow the mixture to boil for a full 2 minutes while stirring constantly, in order to thicken the batter. Once the 2 minutes are complete, quickly mix in the vanilla, oats and coconut. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto a parchment paper covered surface. Allow the haystacks to cool completely before storing. I made my haystacks light on the oats so they'd be extra gooey since it was 5 days since they were made before we ate them. They were sealed in a ziplock bag and although most were broken in my backpack they tasted so delicious and rich and were a very comforting treat during our trek! I don't think I will ever go back to camping without these cookies.
^^^celebrating our last kilometer of 47 to go!
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