Monster Candies

As known as Chocolate Oatmeal Clusters. I have fond memories of this delicious recipe. When I was little, I adored to watch the Sesame Street on television, and guess which character was my favorite? Of course, the Cookie Monster. I was fascinated how fast and messy the Cookie Monster would gobble up the cookies into his fuzzy mouth! Then, one day, my mother wanted to make the chocolate oatmeal clusters and naturally I wanted to be her assistant so that I could steal few sweet bites between mixing the ingredients. Then I said "Cookie Monster" to my mother. And the name stuck.

6 ounces package semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup butter
7 oz. jar marshmallow creme
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes

Heat chocolate chips, butter, marshmallow creme in saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth; remove from heat. 
Mix in vanilla extract, oats, and coconut flakes.
Working fast, drop the mixture by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper.
Shape into clusters with hands.
Refrigerate until firm for about 30 minutes.

Makes about 3 1/2 dozen candies.