Bacon-Chocolate-Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

1. Cut bacon in 1/2-inch dice and cook in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and allow to cool. Coarsely chop or crumble bacon into smaller pieces.

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, cocoa, milk and margarine. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, salt, peanut butter, oats, bacon and chopped peanuts (if using them).

3. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto parchment or waxed paper-lined cookie sheet. Allow cookies to cool for at least one hour. Store in an airtight container.

NOTE: If desired, you may also add 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries and/or 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips at the same time that you add the oatmeal and bacon.