On Baking: Cookie Exchange Edition

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Tomorrow, a group of girlfriends will convene at my friend Amanda’s darling Lincoln Park apartment for a cookie baking party and exchange.  From my understanding, her grandmother does this with the family every year and now Amanda is bringing the tradition Chicago-side.  We’ve been instructed to bring the ingredients for our favorite cookie to so we can spend the evening baking together and then trade up at the end so we each go home with a taste of everything.  We were also told to bring wine.  I don’t think that has anything to do with cookies.

After much (internal) debate, I have decided to make Chocolate-Covered Oreo Balls.  A co-worker’s Mom made them for a work event once and for as decadent as they tasted, I was so surprised to learn how simple they were to make.  With any luck, my contribution to the cookie exchange will look like this:

Oreo Ball Recipe Ingredients

  • 8 ounces softened cream cheese or whipped cream cheese
  • 18 ounces package of Oreo cookies, crushed (crush the entire cookie- don’t remove the filling!)
  • 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon shortening

Oreo Balls Recipe Instructions

Mix cream cheese with electric mixer until fluffy. Add the crushed Oreos and beat on high until well mixed. Chill for at least 2 hours in the freezer. Then roll Oreo cookie mix into one inch Oreo Balls.

Next, melt the chocolate chips and shortening with a double boiler or in the microwave.

Dip the Oreo balls completely into the melted chocolate using tongs or a toothpick.

Put on wax paper. After the Oreo balls harden, keep them in the refrigerator.

Makes about 3 or 4 dozen Oreo Balls, depending on the size.

 

What about you?  I’d love to hear what your favorite holiday recipes are!

 

Mark Your Calendar- K.Amato Holiday Trunk Show

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As I mentioned in Just a Chi Town Girl’s Favorite Things, I have a huge crush on K.Amato Jewelry.  I went to put on my Wabash necklace today and realized I didn’t know when her holiday sale was!  Her studio is in Lincoln Park but a few times a year, K.Amato takes her show on the road.  Next Wednesday, December 8th at the Omni Hotel from 5-8pm will be the one I’ll be hitting up but there are a few more dates, including this Friday up on Southport and then another in Lincoln Park later next week.  Seriously great jewelry dreamed up by one of Chicago’s own.  I’m so excited to see what’s new.