Oreo Truffles

I thought I would post these in case anyone was looking for one more treat to make for a Christmas party or a Christmas gift. These things are absolutely incredible. I have never, ever, ever gotten a complaint about these things... they're SO yummy everyone assumes you're a domestic goddess... when they're actually really easy!

They're easy... but time consuming to make. AND MESSY! And mine never look pretty, but I'm getting better. (haha, this picture was definitely not taken in MY kitchen!)

1 pkg. (1 lb. 2 oz.) Oreo Cookies, finely crushed, divided

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

2 pkg. (8 squares each) Baker's Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted

Mix 3 cups of the cookie crumbs and the cream cheese until well blended. Shape into 42 (1-inch) balls.

Dip balls in melted chocolate; place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet.

Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs.

Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Store any leftover truffles in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

--I usually put the balls in the refrigerator for a bit before dipping them in the melted chocolate, just to let them firm up a bit. I'm still perfecting this whole process... a few times I think I've made them too big and so I've needed more chocolate for dipping.

Every time they're the hit of the party!!

Mourning Mint Cookies n Creme Cupcakes

We had to put my very old and very dearest kitty to sleep on Friday. She was my baby for 20 years, but she was ill and had a seizure. I've been really good about this no processed sugar thing I am doing, but this weekend, i'm dropping it as a sign of mourning. Just for the weekend. Mom found this recipe in a Good Housekeeping magazine. The recipe is technically for mini cupcakes, but we made regular sized ones. We cut the recipe in half and made 8 regular sized. We also cut the sugar in half.

Enjoy. Love you Tara (my kitty).

Cookies n' Cream Minis
Makes 36 mini cupcakes

Cupcake
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
5 Oreos, crumbled (we used mint creme ones)

Frosting
2 cups confectioners sugar (we used 1)
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 tsp vanilla*
Crushed cookies for on top
*I also added 1/4 tsp Creme de Menthe (alcoholic)

Heat oven to 350. Line 36 indents of mini muffin pans with paper liners or foil liners. In small bowl whisk flour, baking powder and salt. In large bowl beat butter till smooth. Beat in sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time.

On low speed, alternately beat flour mixture and sour cream into the butter mixture. Beginning and ending with flour. Add milk and vanilla; fold in cookie pieces.

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.

Frost as desired, sprinkle with crushed cookies if desired.