oreo truffles

These simple treats are perfect for anyone who likes Oreos (we have a little Oreo fan club in our home). The kids can even help you roll these into balls. I haven't made these in a long time ... it's been a few years ... and just made them for a "girls night in" gathering that I hosted this week. Now I remember why I kept the recipe. Easy and yummy.



OREO TRUFFLES

2 sleeves Oreos
8 oz. softened cream cheese
Handful of white chocolate chips
Handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Crush the Oreos in a food processor (should be like crumbs). Pour into a mixing bowl/mixer. Add in the cream cheese and mix until well blended. Roll into balls. In a separate bowl, melt all the chocolate chips together and drizzle over balls.

Hint: Melt the chips in the microwave, along with a teaspoon of Crisco. Once melted, place them in baggie & cut the corner of the bag (a very small hole) and drizzle over the balls. Even better, use an icing bag if you have one. Store truffles in the fridge.

Yield: About 30 truffles

butterscotch apple dip

Fall is the perfect time for apples and a warm dip, isn't it? I tried this for the first time last night and loved it. I kept it warm in an itty bitty crock pot, next to the freshly cut apple slices.



BUTTERSCOTCH APPLE DIP

1 can. sweetened condensed milk
1 c. butterscotch chips
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. white vinegar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

In a saucepan over low heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, butterscotch chips, and salt. Cook & stir until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in vinegar & cinnamon. Serve warm.

black-bottom banana bars

Have a few extra-ripe bananas that are begging to be baked in something? My absolute favorite is banana bread (see my 9.25.07 post here in the recipe section). This recipe is another great option. Made a batch yesterday because I wanted to share something sweet with a friend who had a birthday.



BLACK-BOTTOM BANANA BARS

1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. baking cocoa

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla; beat until thoroughly combined. Blend in the bananas. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Divide batter in half. Add cocoa to half; spread into a greased 9" x 13" baking pan. Spoon remaining batter on top and swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until the bars test done. Cool.