Who is Jane Zimmerman? She is perhaps one of the most influential people in my life (outside of my parents). Jane taught me independence. In my freshman year of college I was looking for a part-time job...and she was looking forward for someone to do her yard work: rake leaves, shovel snow, etc. A mutual friend put us in touch with each other and this 18 year old kid and this 70+ year old woman became fast friends...I worked for her all though college and for a few years after college until she died. Except by then it was not so much work as the two of us getting together for coffee and cookies in her kitchen and talking away. Her house had a fireplace in every room because she loved fireplaces...and that is the way she had designed the house. My favorite fireplace was the one in the kitchen...in the eating area of the kitchen. The eating area had two walls that were solid plate glass overlooking her gardens...and one wall was the fireplace. I have fond memories of sitting there at the table on a cold winter day with a warm fire crackling away and enjoying coffee and home-made goodies such as this recipe. By the way, Jane's actual first name was Ruth! Only her closest friends were allowed to call her "Jane." I was one of those close friends. I remember you Jane Zimmerman with love. Here is her recipe:
Melt 1 package (6-oz) chocolate bits with 3 tablespoons corn syrup and 1 tablespoon water. Stir to blend. Add any crisp ready-to-eat cereal; stir until well coated. Drop by teaspoons full on wax paper or aluminum foil. Chill.
Variations: 1 cup flaked coconut & 3/4 cup candied cherries.
1 cup miniature marshmallows and 1 cup salted peanuts.
1 cup raisins and 1 cup nuts
1/2 cup chopped pecans and 1/2 cup chopped dates