Bazaars may be cancelled this year, but I’m keeping the spirit alive by featuring a weekly bake table recipe for you to make at home, as well as some of my favourite bazaar treasures I’ve acquired over the years.

This week’s recipe is for Chocolate Haystacks. These no-bake classics are just as easy to make as they are to eat. The only downside? Chocolate Haystacks aren’t known for being the prettiest things on the bake table. But once you get over their “pebble turd” vibe, you’re on the way to sweet, chewy and shredded coconut paradise. (Speaking of shredded coconut – keep the dental floss or a business card close by.)

This recipe comes from Culinary Creations Down the Line from the Interprovincial Pipeline Company. And since they have oats, feel free to consider Chocolate Haystacks health food.

½ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
½ cup milk
3 cups quick cooking rolled oats
1 cup shredded coconut
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine butter, sugar and milk in saucepan. Boil for exactly 3 minutes and add remaining ingredients. Blend lightly and drop by teaspoon on waxed paper. Chill.

You have to work fast with these or else they’ll harden before they hit the waxed paper. Make sure there are no distractions and scream at anyone who comes into the kitchen to ask you a question. But I guarantee that quick work will pay off. One bite and you’ll be in haystack heaven.

Now onto my Best o’ Bazaar-o-Rama treasures!

1) Global Warming Santa Snow Globe

As if the world needed further proof of climate change, poor St. Nick is practically drowning in all that melted snow. If we don’t get our act together, he’ll soon be delivering toys in a red Speedo on a Jet Ski led by twelve dolphins. Is that a reality you want? I bought this in 2019 and paid one dollar.

2) Handmade Pot Scourer

I’m a sucker for poetry, especially when that poetry comes attached to a pot scrubber!

I'm a pot scourer, watch me scrub
If I get dirty, Pop me in the "TUB"
Also you can bleach me,
And I come out clean as new
If you don't want me
Give me to someone who “DO”

I suggest you read this out loud to appreciate its cadence. I found this at a bazaar in 2012 and paid $1.50. Good poetry doesn’t come cheaper than that.

I “DO” hope you’ll come back next week for another bazaar round-up. Until then, eat all the Haystacks you want and stay safe!