Well, I didn't forget any old acquaintances, that I know of... I guess I'll remember them if I ever bring them to mind.
I can't believe another year has sprouted wings and literally flown by. When I was a kid, all the "old" people I knew would say that time goes so slow when you're younger, but zips by when you're old. I hate the category this puts me in.
But old age or not, the passing of the last day of the year always is cause for celebrations. Some of us are thrilled with all we accomplished, and others are just glad we get a second chance to make all the same bad choices.
Every year, I meet a bunch of friends and we cook a ton of food, hang out and ring in the New Year. For the past two years, it seems like my attendance was contingent on my bringing these incredible Oreo Balls. It's great to have an easy, decadent go-to recipe, and these really fit the bill.
3 sleeves of Oreo's - I put these in my chopper a few at a time, until I have what looks like Oreo dirt. It's amazing that the cream of the cookies just disappear. Ahh, the mystery of the Oreo cookie.
1 brick of cream cheese - I leave this out on the counter while getting my supplies together. This generally gets it soft, without being a gloopy mess.
Bag of white chocolate candy discs - I find these in the craft section at Walmart. You can use white chocolate chips, but I like how smooth and creamy the discs work out.
Using your chopper, chop the Oreo's into oblivion. Like I said above, do this in two or three batches, dumping the magical Oreo dust into a big bowl. Add the softened cream cheese and then use a wide wooden spoon to incorporate the cheese all the way into the dust. You'll wind up with a big, shiny Oreo mudpie.
Wrap your "Oreo-pie" in plastic wrap and put in the fridge for an hour or so. This will give you time to clean up the minimal mess, grab a glass of wine, and think about how much time people will think you spent making these little jewels.
One of the best little tools I have in the kitchen is a mini ice cream scoop. I picked mine up at Walmart (are you sensing a theme?), I think the brand is Oneida, and it's about a tablespoonful in size, and perfect for little jobs like these. If you don't have one, then just use a tablespoon.
I'm such a planner. Nothing gets me going more than a well-conceived plan. I think this comes across in my kitchen, too. While my Oreo goodness is prepping, I get a cookie sheet ready and cover it with some parchment paper... also another thing I just can't live without in the kitchen.
Once you're ready, grab your patty-o-goodness out of the fridge and use whatever implement you like to make the balls. I just scoop it up in the little scoop, pop it out in my hand and roll it up. Then just place them on the cookie sheet until you have used up all the mixture.
You'll end up with at least one cookie sheet of perfectly formed balls of decadence. Before I stick it in the freezer for about an hour, or until I'm ready to dip them, I poke toothpicks in them. This makes dipping them a dream.
While they are chilling out in the freezer, I get my white chocolate ready, and I do this the easiest way possible... by zapping them in the microwave according to the package directions. These discs work so much better than the chocolate chips or the almost bark. TRUST ME. These little babies were made for melting, and that is totally what they are gonna do.
Once your chocolate is ready, grab your frozen balls of yummy out of the freezer and quickly dip the ball into the chocolate, shake off the excess, and put them back on the cookie sheet. Try not to have them bump up against each other.
After they are all dipped, I stick them back in the freezer until I'm ready to impress my friends with my culinary talents.
These are amazing.
I hope y'all liked my very first blog! Stay tuned... 2012 is gonna be a very delicious year.
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