Chocolate Peanut Butter Mud Pies

I grew up eating mud pies. Yes, actual mud pies, like these ones: here.

My Mom's original mud pie recipe calls for coconut but my husband, Mario, really hates coconut. I've been promising for years to try making him a more palatable version of my classic mud pie. As you can see I promised as much back in October 2007 when I posted the original recipe... better late than never, right?

This version uses peanut butter instead of coconut. I also threw in some chopped peanuts hoping to give them some more "crunch". The peanuts (although really good) didn't add a lot of crunch, and so next time I am going to stir in some Rice Krispies at the end instead...that ought to be in about January of 2013 if you want to check back then...

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mud Pies

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup butter
pinch salt
1 cup peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups oats (quick cooking)
1/2 cup chopped peanuts

1. In a saucepan, mix sugar, milk, butter, cocoa and salt. Bring to a boil, and cook for about one minute (stiring constantly).

2. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until melted and smooth.

3. Mix in the oats, and then the chopped peanuts. Let sit for about 10 minutes.

4. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a parchment lined cookie sheet, and chill until set. Makes about 60 cookies. (or do like me and eat 12 and tell everyone it makes 4 dozen).