Phyllis Bars

The story behind the cookie. This is an old family recipe for me, but I have no idea why they were called bars...no one's ever been able to explain that part to me. My aunt, Phyllis, started making them long before I was born. The original recipe called for "Three knives of peanut butter" I've melted it down a couple of times and had about a half a cup, so, there you go. My Mom likes to mix in coconut, but I find that dries them out. Everyone I've ever made them for asks for them over and over, they seem to be addictive. (; Cook time is cooling time.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 22-24 cookies

Ingredients

• 2  cups sugar
• 1⁄2 cup peanut butter (Crunchy or Creamy)
• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 4  teaspoons  cocoa
• 1  pinch salt
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 2 1⁄2 cups quick-cooking oats

Directions

1. EXCEPT for the oats, mix all ingredients in medium size sauce pan.
2. Slowly kick up the heat (over four minutes) and bring to rapid boil.
3. Immidately remove from heat, and stir in oats.
4. Let cool till mixture will hold its shape and not drip from the spoon. Spoon on to wax paper.
5. Let cool for about 20 minutes or until they've firmed up. (They never survive that long in my house though.).