Tutorial Tuesday: Yummy Oreo Balls

I must admit, I have a weakness for Oreos.  There's just something about the combination of a crunchy chocolate cookie mixed with vanilla cream that makes my taste buds dance.  I like them in any shape or form: by themselves, in ice cream or a malt, or covered with chocolate!

So when I came across a "holiday" calendar a fews days ago that proclaimed March 6 to be "Oreo Cookie Day," I knew that gave me a good excuse reason to make one of my favorite treats: Oreo Balls. 

Here's what you'll need for this tasty treat:

1 package regular size Oreo cookies

8 oz. cream cheese
1 package white almond bark
approximately 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
1 package Baker's dipping chocolate OR chocolate almond bark



Directions:
1) Allow cream cheese to soften for a few minutes. 
(I simply have it sitting out while I gather my ingredients & prepare my Oreos.)

2) Place Oreos in a resealable bag & crush.

(Sorry I forgot to take a picture after they were crushed!)

 3) Using a food processor, mix Oreos & cream cheese together. 
(If you do not have a food processor, a blender or hand mixer should also work, as long as you finely crush the Oreos beforehand.)

(Before Mixing)

(After Mixing)

4) Chill mixture for about 1 hour.

5) Roll into small balls (approximately walnut size).


6) Return Oreo balls to refrigerator (or freezer).  Melt white almond bark according to package directions (I prefer using a double broiler).  If almond bark appears too thick for dipping, add a little vegetable shortening to thin it out. 

7) Using a toothpick, dip Oreo balls into the melted almond bark & place on wax paper.  Allow to harden for a few minutes.  (To speed up the process, you can place Oreo balls in the freezer for a few minutes.)

 


8) While the white chocolate is hardening, melt Baker's dipping chocolate (or chocolate almond bark if you prefer) according to package directions. 

9) When Oreo balls have hardened (no longer sticky to the touch), drizzle chocolate on top.  You can do this by either using a sandwich bag with a tiny hole cut in one corner, or you can do as I did & simply use a spoon.  (My clever husband showed me that if you hold the spoon high enough, it will be a thin stream by the time it reaches them - rather than a big clump.)



10) Enjoy!!!

These are great for parties!  Not only are they fairly simple to make, but one batch makes 2-3 dozen.  Plus, their richness makes it difficult for most people to eat more than 2 or 3 at a time, making them last longer!  You can also freeze leftovers, and they'll keep for days.

Hmmm....now I'm craving another Oreo ball.  Good thing we still have several in our freezer!