Who's Yo' Daddy?

Today is Fathers Day.  Today we celebrate those men in our lives that raised us, provided for us and threatened the lives of any teenage boy who dared to cross our path.  Those same brave men who would, years later, walk their nervous, smiling daughters down the isle to give her away to one of those former teenagers.  My dad is one of those men.

If your dad is anything like mine, he tells terrible jokes that are somehow still funny, he was your hero growing up, he likes his bourbon on the rocks and is IMPOSSIBLE TO SHOP FOR!!!  What the hell is a girl to do for Father's Day when her dad already has all the gadgets he could ever need, still has iTunes gift cards leftover from Christmas and doesn't have time to pursue and hobbies that he might enjoy had he the time?  Hell if I know!  I was stumped.  Growing up I had the same problem.  Christmas's would be the same every year.  Ritz crackers and some 'gourmet' summer sausage roll.  While I am not opposed to meat,. I refuse to buy it shoved into a casing made of stomach lining and assholes.  If a new gadget came out, I would buy that, but how many useless thingamabobbers does one man need?  I couldn't even find a decent idea on Pinterest!

This year I would make his gifts.  Two of his favorite foods: Beef jerky made from a grassfed beef top sirloin steak and No Bake Cookies.  My grandmother used to make No Bakes for my dad for special occasions.  They are his favorite and using the same popular recipe she used, I 'veganized' it to make it dairy-free.  They are delicious and I can't wait to see my dad so I can give them to him today before I eat them all myself!

No Bakes

1 c organic sugar
2 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 c vegan butter
1/4 cup almond or soy milk
1/2 c organic peanut butter
1/2 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
2 c quick cooking oats

In a saucepan on medium heat, add sugar, cocoa powder, butter and milk.  Bring to a boil.  Allow to boil while stirring gently (watch out!  Sugar is HOT!) for a minute.  Turn off heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until well incorporated.  Add oats and stir to coat.  Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper (or the waxy side of freezer paper).  Allow them to set in the fridge for at least 6 hours.