EASY OREO TRUFFLES

Steps:

• Completely grind entire package of Oreo cookies. I find that the easiest and fastest way to do this is with a large capacity food processor, but a blender or a plastic bag and mallet will work fine. Set aside a small amount for dusting later.
• Combine Oreo cookie grounds and softened cream cheese into a mixer bowl, and blend on low until integrated and then increase speed to medium until mixture is well combined. It should look like dark mud. Set aside.
• Make some temporary space in your freezer; you will need some room to chill your truffle ball mixture. Spread a sheet of wax paper onto a large cookie sheet.
• With clean dry hands, begin rolling Oreo/Cream cheese mixture into 1 in round balls. Set formed balls in rows on the cookie sheet. You can wear gloves for this step, but it really isn't necessary, it isn't a very messy process. Place cookie sheet in freezer for about 20 minutes. I always use this time to clean up and prepare for the next step in the recipe.
• Take one tray from the Log House CandiQuik® melting chocolate and melt in the microwave. I have used chocolate bars and chocolate chips, and the Log House stuff is MUCH easier to use. However, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU FOLLOW THE HEATING INSTRUCTIONS TO A 'T'. Heat it for 1 minute, and only in 15 second increments after that, and that is only if there are still solid chunks of chocolate after you have stirred. Believe me, the chocolate will look like it is not melting, but it is! Just stir it a little and it will become more liquid. I made the mistake of overcooking the chocolate, which makes it hard and powdery and unusable. The good thing is that the Log House package comes with two trays, so if you mess up, you have a backup! The Log House chocolate is available online and at SAM'S Club, where I bought mine. http://loghousefoods.elsstore.com/view/product/?id=18562&cid=2549
• Remove the chilled balls from the freezer. Notice that each ball has hardened nicely, and that the bottom is now flat. One ball at a time, insert the pointed end of the toothpick/turkey lacer pin into the flattened bottom of the ball (I have found that the turkey lacer pin makes it easier because of the length. http://www.dollarnights.com/images/K03/Image2/KB-966.jpg). Do not pierce all the way through. Dip the ball into the melted chocolate and swirl it around. You don't need to coat the bottom. Once the ball is evenly covered, hold it upside down until most of the excess has dribbled off. Now, hold the ball upright and using a fork underneath, slowly lift the ball off of the pin and place on the cookie sheet. Dust a pinch of the leftover cookie grounds over the truffle ball before the chocolate dries. Do this for each ball.
• STORAGE: Truffles can be left at room temperature for a time while being served, but because of the perishable nature of the cream cheese, long term storage should happen in a refrigerator or freezer.
• ***Tips for decorating: Use the vanilla version of the Log House chocolate to drizzle lines of white over the dark chocolate coating. You can even reverse the order by rolling the balls in vanilla and drizzling with chocolate! You can even do half and half!
• ***Tips for Flavor: You can buy different types of Oreos for different flavors. Try Mint Oreos for a minty taste, or chocolate Oreos for a richer chocolate flavor. I have even seen Red Crème Oreos! I'm sure you could even mix up the flavor of cream cheese or use Golden Oreos, but I haven't ventured into that yet ;) The possibilities are endless with this recipe. Have fun with it!