A Cookie Exchange Must - The Oreo Truffle

I have a fabulous sister-in-law who does wonders in the kitchen. She plays down her cooking but I love our visits, I am always being introduced to something tasty and usually pretty simple.

She is a full-time geology professor and calls this creation "Armored Mud Balls" (Oreo Truffles). Though she covers her truffles in white chocolate I tend to like the darker version; they look and taste great either way. One issue, you need a food processor - if you don't have one, this recipe may be the reason to get one.

1) One bag of Oreo Cookies
2) One package of cream cheese
3) One bag of chocolate chips (I use Nestle's Semi-Sweet)

• Put all of the Oreo Cookies in a big Ziploc bag and smash them (this was a fun treat for my 2-yr old - I gave him a ladle and let him smash away)
• Combine the cream cheese and cookie crumbs in the food processor until the mixture is a consistent, well lets say...giant mud ball
• Using a teaspoon, gather a little portion of the mix and roll it in the palm of your hand until it is a round ball - you should have between 75 to 80 balls when you are done
• Melt the chocolate chips in a double-boiler or heat up water in a sauce pan and place a stainless steal bowl over the water. The chips will melt quickly in the stainless steal bowl even over low heat. Make sure the water isn't too hot, you don't want steam or moisture getting into the bowl of chocolate, it will seize up and you will have to start over.
• Using 2 spoons, cover the Oreo mixture with your melted chocolate of choice and place on wax or parchment paper when you have finished each one. Turn on a little music and know that this may take a little time - it moves faster and can be fun once you get the hang of it.
• Place the truffles in the freezer for 10 mins to set the chocolate

Find a bunch of decorative tins or bags and place a dozen or so treats inside for a tasty holiday bite. Try our durable Fun Stickies on the outside of the tins, I chose the bi-level style, "Happy Holidays" on the top line and "The Brandriss Family" is on the bottom line. A personalized label ensures that the message will be received, even if the card gets lost in the holiday shuffle. http://www.namebubbles.com/labels/fun-stickies.html