MAWMAW’S OATMEAL COOKIES

KRISTEN ORR (Nashville, Tennessee) says that her MawMaw, CATHERINE ORR (Ashland City, Tennessee), made the most amazing desserts for every family occasion— usually cookies, cakes, pies, and fried pies. Kristen says, “MawMaw was born and raised in Henry County, Tennessee, and was known to always say, ‘Oh, goodness gracious!’ She likely said that and a few other choice words after I talked her into seeing Return of the Jedi when I was a teenager—I got her to go by telling her it was a love story.”

1 stick margarine

2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons cocoa

2 1/2 cups rolled oats

1 In a large saucepan combine the margarine, sugar, vanilla, milk, and cocoa. Mix well and boil, stirring occasionally, for no more than 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the oats, and mix well.

2 Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Once cooled and hardened, they are ready to eat.

MAKES 2 DOZEN COOKIES.