Haystacks

I need to apologize to Carianne. I haven't made these in at least 8 years and I forgot what was in them and how to make them. When she showed me a recipe similar to this one I didn't think it was it. I was wrong. Here is ours. For a recipe I have been making since before the girls were born, you would think I would remember it better.

Haystacks
In a large saucepan or kettle (keep in mind that you will be mixing the other ingredients in the pan later. You don't want to many dirty dishes when you are finished.)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup cocoa powder
Blend these ingredients together well. Boil for at least 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add to this mixture:
1/3 cup peanut butter (chunky or plain - your preference)
3 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup oatmeal
1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix well. If the mixture seems dry then add a little more peanut butter. It is like the mortar that sticks it all together. Drop onto a greased cookie sheet, waxed paper or parchment paper and let cool and dry. Store in a tight container in a cool dry place. These do not need to be refrigerated - in fact that makes them very sticky.

Note: I have a friend that makes this with different nut butters. She loves it with almond and hazelnut butter that she makes herself. Just tossing the idea out there. She says the almond butter one comes out like a cherry chocolate.