An Oreo Ball Adventure

I follow a few blogs, and I was completely inspired by Jessica's oreo balls. After reading her recipe, I was sold on the oreos, cream cheese, and chocolate. Uh, hello best foods combined ever?

Since I just moved into my new digs and have a kitchen appliance population made up of a refrigerator, a microwave, and a blender, I had to get creative when thinking up a fun treat to take to a recent holiday party. Thank you, Jessica, for the delight that is oreo balls.

these bite-sized suckers will find their way to your mouth in threes. 

What you need:

1. a package of oreos (I used regular reduced fat.. you can use the mint-filled as well!)

2. an 8 oz. tub of cream cheese (also reduced fat.. obviously, my route is to eat as many oreo balls as I can for less fat grams)

3. any type of chocolate chips (I used white chocolate)

4. parchment paper

5. 2 cookie sheets

Since I had no food processor, I put the oreos in a ziplock baggie and crushed them with a cup.  Since I also have no mixer yet, I kneeded the oreo crumbles into the cream cheese with my hands (FUN mess!).

Then, I took the doughy oreo and made little bite-sized balls.  Remember to keep them small, cause they'll get bigger when you dip them in chocolate.

Anastasia was my partner in crime/fellow oreo baller

Stick those oreo balls on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet and keep them in the freezer for about an hour.  Since they'll be cold, the chocolate will harden faster in the next step.

WARNING: melty white chocolate will be cosumed.

Melt the chocolate chips one cup at a time in a shallow bowl (I used the microwave), and keep stirring to ensure it's still a little thick. Then, take a tiny spoon and roll the balls in the chocolate.

Stick them back on the wax paper, put them in the freezer for another hour, and you're good to go for toppings!

Ta-da!

I wish I had more chips... I only one big bag, but if I had more, I would have covered the oreo balls with another layer.  It just makes 'em prettier.  :)

after one coat of chocolate

I added some red frosting for some color, but crushed peppermint as a topping (Jessica's suggestion - hers looked beautiful!) or sprinkles would have worked wonderfully.

Make these for a party, and they'll be a crowd favorite. Happy oreo ballin'!

It's a MAGGIE Day!

I feel the need dedicate this post to one of the best friends a girl can have.

HAPPY 23rd BIRTHDAY, MAGGIE!

Maggie and I grew up together, and although I'm now in Virginia and she's in Pennsylvania, we still remain so close. In middle and high school, we did almost everything together.  One of my favorite shirts from high school read "blonde leading the blonde," and it was pretty spot on. ;)

Look at us - just little babies!

She's been with me through everything, even when we were miles apart.  She spent my 21st birthday with me in Key West, she went to Mexico with me for Spring Break, and we just took a Senior cruise together before graduating college!

"twenty ooonnneee!"

Maggie's the best, and I wish we lived closer (hint, hint.. move to VA Beach, Mag).

So, in honor of Maggie and the upcoming holidays, I made a batch of Maggie Mix last night.

"Maggie mix? Whaaat?"

I was introduced to Maggie Mix by my college roommate, Emily.  Her mom would send her this delicious mix by the tub-full, and we would inhale the stuff.  When I passed the Quaker Oatmeal Squares in the grocery store last night, I suddenly had a real hankering for the mix.

Getcha some Quaker Oatmeal Squares cereal (one box = one baking tray.. if you want a big batch, you probably want two to three boxes), any lite maple syrup (I prefer Hungry Jack or Aunt Jemima), and cinnamon for some extra flava!

Spread the squares on a baking sheet and drizzle them with the syrup.  Don't go too crazy, or you'll have a big sticky, soggy mess of a Maggie Mix!  Then sprinkle a little cinnamon on top.  I was feeling a little Thanksgiving flavor, so I added some nutmeg as well.

Toss the squares around in the syrup until they're all coated evenly.  Then throw them in the oven at 350 for around 18-20 minutes.  Prepare to babysit the mix, because it needs a good tossing with a spatula about every 6-7 minutes.

After 20 minutes, take out the mix and toss it again.  You'll need to break up the pieces, but after a little bit, it should all be hardened and deeeelicious!

If you looove cereal and are a snacker like me, you'll adore Maggie Mix.  Caution: you'll be addicted!

Have a great weekend, everybody.  My weekend plans include a Tree Lighting Festival, and I'm exciiiited!  Pictures to come!