Valentine Cookie Puzzle recipe

1/2 pound (2 sticks) margarine or butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups Quaker oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Assorted small candies (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease and flour two cookie sheets. Using your finger, trace the outline of a large heart on each cookie sheet.

2. In large bowl, beat margarine, sugar and vanilla extract with electric mixer until creamy. Add combined oats and flour; mix well.

3. Divide dough in half. With lightly floured hands, pat each half into the large heart shape on cookie sheet. If desired, gently press candies into dough. With knife, cut through each heart to form 8 to 10 random shapes. (Do not separate.)

4. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Carefully cut through pieces again to separate. Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheet. Remove to wire rack; cool completely. Store tightly covered.

Makes two 10-inch hearts

Small children should use a butter or table knife to cut the random puzzle shapes.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of Quaker Oats.