Reindeer Turds

Perhaps a little late for this holiday season, but if next year you suddenly remember about that potluck, need to make something for a bake sale, or can't think of anything for a secret Santa gift swap, then may I suggest this recipe?

I first tried these delectable little "truffles" at the church choir's Christmas party. I haven't made them myself, but the hostess insists they are just as easy as all the reviews online claim. I swore off Oreos and other packaged products made with high-frutctose corn syrup years ago, but these little guys--which she and I dubbed "reindeer turds"--are worth breaking that fast. When your teeth break through the chocolately shell to reach the soft, moist interiors...mm mh hmmm!

What you need: 1 16-oz. package Oreos; 1 8-oz. package cream cheese; 16 oz. baking chocolate.

What to do: Crush cookies and cream cheese together. If you need to work off some holiday stress, feel free to employ the rolling pin and plastic bag method on the cookies, or if you have bad arthritis, go ahead and use a blender or food processor,

Form into 1-inch balls and space out on a wax-paper lined cookie sheet. Send them to the North Pole (aka the freezer) for 10 minutes. One hour in the fridge also works, if you have the time.

Meanwhile, melt the chocolate, either in the microwave or in a double boiler on the stove like your (grand)mother taught you.

Dip the balls in the chocolate. Don't be too fastidious about letting the extra chocolate drip off--it contributes to the truffles' turdiness. Place back on cookie sheet and refrigerate until serving to rave reviews.