Did you know that Mermaid Man died earlier this week? Dudette and I just watched several episodes of Sponge Bob Square Pants featuring him and Barnacle Boy today. It must have been to honor his passing, which was very sweet of the station.
You might know Mermaid Man by some of his other names: Commander Quintin McHale (McHale's Navy), Cabbie (Escape From New York), Dutch (The Wild Bunch) and yes, Ernest Borgnine.
My generation is an odd one. I was a toddler while McHale's Navy had its success, but I did watch the black and white reruns of the show as a youngster. There were many shows like that; The Andy Griffith Show, Dick Van Dyke Show, My Favorite Martian, Mr. Ed. . .
. . .Come on, my generation, help me with others.
I've kept track of these guys over the years and my heart breaks a little every time one of them leaves us. Andy Griffith last week; Ernest this week.
I liked Andy, who couldn't? But there was something about Ernest that was just so cool. The fact that this 95 year-old man was Mermaid Man proves that. Did you know? Would you have ever guessed it?
In between episodes of Sponge Bob, I made these cookies. Because there was no baking, I was able to throw everything together during commercials and scooped out the balls while watching the television from the kitchen.
It was nice to enjoy and laugh with Ernest one last time.
Speaking of Mermaid Man, don't forget about Barnacle Boy. He is, after all, 78, and another one of those that I'm keeping my eye on.
The Process
You'll need your stove for about three minutes in order to heat the sugar, milk, honey and butter. That's it. If you have three minutes, you can make these cookies.
The Verdict
My child has issues. Texture issues. Because of the oatmeal in these and the fact that they're balls instead of flat, 'normal' cookies, she decided that she didn't like them. So, I tested them on her friend Ashley; they were found very good. Ashley's mom loved them and reluctantly passed along a good portion of her cookie to her preschooler who asked for more. I'd call that a success.
These are delicious. Hubby and I both think so. In this case, Dudette's in the minority and her finickyness is our gain. I love how easy they are to make and how good they taste.
What I'd Do Different Next Time
For Hubby, chocolate chips instead of raisins, but that would require making things a bit differently since the hot peanut butter would melt the chips. I'd pour the peanut butter mixture in the oatmeal without the chips and stir to combine; wait a minute or two, then add the chips and fold them in carefully.
No-Bake Peanut Butter and Honey Cookies - print this recipe
from Southern Lady's Simply Southern Special Issue, 2012
3 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cups raisins
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup butter
2/3 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
In a large bowl, combine oats and raisins; set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, honey, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add peanut butter and vanilla, stirring until peanut butter is melted.
Add sugar mixture to oats mixture, stirring to mix well.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto parchment paper. Let cool for 1 hour or until completely set.
Store in an airtight container. Makes about 3 dozen.
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