Mud pies are but one name given to the following cookie recipe:

In an oversized saucepan, mix together:

• 4 cups sugar
• 1 cup and two tablespoons milk
• One of the following:
• 2 squares baking chocolate
• 2 envelopes Nestle's Choco-Bake
• 2/3 cup of cocoa

Heat the mixture, covered, at a low to medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove the cover and let boil for two to three minutes longer... Do not stir.

While this is heating, in a largish mixing bowl place:

• 6 cups oats
• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

From this point you must work quickly.

Remove chocolate mixture from heat and add to dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir quickly and immediately drop teaspoon by teaspoon onto a smooth, flat surface¹. Let cool. Munch away.

Note: If you find the cookies aren't setting properly, try

• Boiling a bit longer, up to four minutes.
• Using 'Old Fashioned Oats' rather than 'Quick Oats'.
• Reduce milk by two tablespoons.

Contrarily, if you find they're setting before you can spoon them out, try:

• Reducing the boiling time.
• Using 'Quick Oats'.
• Work faster.
• Adding to the milk is not recommended.

Also called 'Boiled Cookies' for obvious reasons, among other aliases. There are other similar recipes, as each family seem to have their own version.

The Other Kind of Mudpie

Mix about two parts dirt with about one part water.

Stir at your leisure, squishing between fingers and/or toes. Pat into whatever shape is desired - nice, flat rounds about an half an inch to an inch thick seem to be the favourite - and set out in the sun to dry. These are not edible, although they have been known to be tasted on occasion by small children.