Oreo Cake Pops

I've admired the whole cake pop phenomena from afar. Most that I have seen flying around the web look so creative and fun. I don't have any cake decorating training or experience so I've shied away from even attempting these things but my daughter asked for cake pops this week.  She had a double header (soccer matches) on her birthday & we decided to give it a "go" to share with her team mates. Although these aren't the penguins she wished for I do believe she was happy with the end result. They are cute as a button and taste pretty good too.

Here's how to make no bake Oreo cake pops:

1 package Oreo cookies

6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

1" cookie scoop

Food Processor

Lollipop sticks

Sprinkles

Ribbon

Truffle cups

Wax paper

12 ounces white almond bark

Serves: 30 cake pops

Blend oreos in a food processor until a fairly fine consistency is achieved (no powder but not chunks).  Place Oreo bits in a large bowl. Add cream cheese. Roll up your sleeves and hand mix. Over and over until you are able to get the cookie scoop in there. Using the cookie scoop pat in firmly until full. Then pop out and roll with both hands until a round ball is formed.  Place on a wax lined cookie sheet. Place in the fridge or freeze for a bit (30 minutes).

Melt almond bark. Insert lollipop stick 1/2" into the melted bark, remove, puncture the Oreo pop then place the pop + lollipop stick into the bark until fully coated.  Strike the stick against the side of the bowl to remove excess bark.  Place the pop on the wax lined paper & sprinkle immediately.

Once all pops are formed tie ribbons on the sticks and serve!

We aren't giving up on the penguins...just adding it to our culinary to-do list. What's on your to-do list?

Shimmering Party Favors

Shimmering Party Favors

These cuties will be party favors at my daughter’s 8^th birthday party. 

• Box of 24 sugar sticks from Trader Joe’s
• 4 ounces of white baking chocolate
• 1 teaspoon shortening
• 2 packages of Wilton pretzel stick bags
• Pretty sprinkles purchased at the restaurant supply store
• Blank address labels

Melt chocolate and shortening in the microwave…30 seconds then stir & heat another 30 seconds.  Dip sticks in mixture.  Sprinkle on waxed paper.  Allow to dry about an hour.  Place in pretzel bags, adorn with various colored ribbons & place a “Thank You For Helping Me Celebrate” label.

These are a nice option as a hostess gift in a little vase or as a sidepiece to enhance your holiday buffet table.  To use in a vase, keep the sticks in their plastic wrapper part way then place in the green florist foam. Last, add your basket shreds and ribbon.

Holiday Party Invitations

 

    Tis the season for entertaining & I have the pleasure of assisting Mom & Dad with their holiday party in December.  My folks' parties are legendary.  The stage is set with holiday decor classically adorning all areas of their home. No detail goes unattended to; including the exterior of the marina home & boat.  The strategy is to begin unpacking & setting up before Thanksgiving.  They welcome their children and grand children’s help but Dad is still climbing the ladder to the second story of the house and fixing the artificial tree that crowns the tower of the boat.  He is an inspiration!

    In preparation of the party, I have printed the invitation on beautiful card stock paper kits that Mom purchased at Tuesday Morning.  The "Anna Griffin Inc" kits are sold in packs of 10, regular price $25.00, sale price $17.99, reduced to $9.99 then in the clearance section at $3.99.  We love a bargain!!  My favorite part of this invitation is the dimension that the reindeer adds with his proud stance and handsome antlers.

    

    This weekend we will continue decorating and most importantly menu planning. Mom's menu is always thoughtfully planned with an amazing variety of delicious food.   My first post is filled with bragging, but trust me, it's merited.  Photos of home & boat decor soon.....