Saturday, December 13, 2008

Haystacks


A cookie party invitation arrived in my mailbox a couple of weeks ago. One of those parties where the invitees are asked to bring three dozen cookies to exchange. Well, the big day is coming this week, and I had absolutely no idea what type of cookie I was going to bake, or, more importantly, when I was going to bake them. Until this afternoon that is, when we visited my grandmother-in-law, and there on her counter were the cutest, yummiest-looking little confections I've seen in a long time. She said they were called "haystacks," and they took my brother-in-law all of about ten minutes to "bake." I tasted one, fell in love, and knew my problem was solved. Here's the recipe:

CHOCOLATE "HAYSTACKS"

1 (6 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1 (3 oz.) can chow mein noodles

In 3-quart casserole or large bowl, place chocolate pieces. Cover with lid or plastic wrap. Microwave at medium or low 3 to 4 minutes until melted. Stir chocolate smooth; add noodles and using two forks, toss to coat well. On strips of foil or wax paper, form into 1 1/2 inch clusters. Cool to set. Makes about 24 (1 1/2 inch) "haystacks."

You can also apparently add such ingredients as butterscotch, caramel chips, marshmallows, peanut butter, or any type of nut to these little babies, and they'll turn out even better. You can also use white chocolate. YUM! Or even sprinkle coconut on top to make them really festive.


I'm hoping for a masterpiece! And really looking forward to that party! Phew!

3 comments:

jora said...

My reflexologist (not really, I just like the sound of that) makes the best version of these every Christmas: sub butterscotch pieces for the chocolate and add in salted Spanish peanuts. Totally addictive.

Alice Q. Foodie said...

Oh wow, I just figured out that that picture is a haystack. Guess I'm a little slow! I LOOVED these when I was a kid - I really dig that salty/sweet combo - kind of like chocolate covered pretzels!

JJ Bloomfield said...

My cat "baked" a few of these and left them around the house . . .