No-Bake Oreo Truffles

These deadly delicious chocolate balls were introduced to me at a work covered dish, brought by a coworkers wife. I was shocked to find out how simple they are to make, literally 3 ingredients! I decided today was the perfect opportunity to make these to bring my friends I’m staying with in Charlotte.

~Oreo Truffles~
1 box Oreos (mint or regular)
1 8oz. package of cream cheese
1 bag semisweet chocolate chips
Crushed candy cane

In a food processor, blend half of the Oreos until finely crushed. Add to a bowl with softened cream cheese. Pulse the other half of the Oreos in the food processor just until the Oreos are broken into small to large chunks. Add to the bowl and mix to combine.

Roll all of the mixture into 1 inch sized balls and set on a baking sheet covered in wax paper.

Melt chocolate chips (in 2 or 3 batches) in a double boiler or bowl set on top of a pot with boiling water. Roll balls into chocolate to coat, then transfer back to baking sheet.

If desired, crush candy canes or other peppermint candy to sprinkle on top of truffles.

Chill in refrigerator for 1-2 hours to harden chocolate.

One batch made about 4 dozen truffles, but this recipe is easy to cut in half.

A Day in Transit

The day finally came for me to present the internal website I’ve been working on for 7 months to the New York office. I met my boss at Union Station at 5:30am to catch our 6 o’clock Acela train. With my ABP coffee in hand, we worked through most of the train ride.

I did like seeing the sun rise over Wilmington, Delaware. Pretty neat views from the train. My boss and I did our two presentations (I was only a tiny bit nervous) and then met with the marketing team for the rest of the day.

Stephanie and I left the office around 5:15 to catch the 6pm train back to Washington, which is apparently a very popular time for train takers.

We pulled in around 9pm, back where the day started.

I'll be back in transit this afternoon en route to Charlotte!

Bean & Rice Burritos

Does anyone else feel personally attacked by the IRS? I just received my second notice in three months claiming I didn’t report something in year 200X, yadda, yadda, you owe us $$$. In both cases, the IRS actually owes me money and are claiming something incorrect.

The first time this happened, I went to H&R Block…it was not a pleasant experience and it cost almost as much as just paying the misreported taxes. This time I’ve enlisted the help of Evan and a 1040 Amendment form + instructions. I’m hoping this burrito dinner for two conveys my gratitude.

~Bean & Rice Burritos~
2 tortillas (habanero lime flavor)
1 can refried beans
1 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Salsa verde
Tomato, diced
Avocado slices
Sour cream
Green onions & cilantro

Nothing fancy, just delicious.

Catfish in Chili Sauce + Lentil Vegetable Salad

It was one of those days where I could not get full. They’re the worst! It might have something to do with the very healthful dinner I had last night. Though it was delicious, it’s not the type to stick to your ribs.

~Catfish in Chili Sauce~
1 lb catfish (or any white fish)
1 tsp chili sauce
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dijon mustard
1/8 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp pepper
Dash garlic powder
Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil and preheat oven to 350. Brush chili sauce mixture over fish fillets, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until cooked through.

On the side, I made a lentil vegetable salad.

~Lentil Vegetable Salad~
(serves 2-3)
1/2 cup lentils
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 8 oz. can corn
Cherry tomatoes, halved
1 green onion, chopped
Spinach leaves
Lemon juice, salt and pepper

Cook the lentils as directed until tender, then drain. Rinse in cold water to stop them from cooking any further. Add chopped vegetables and season to taste.

Brownie Crinkle Cookies

I don't know where my head was this weekend. For one, I went on a not-so-mini shopping spree (no regrets, just saying), and I baked a pretty terrible batch of cookies. The results from the shopping spree are as follows:

Tory Burch bag from a street vendor (one of the many perks of living in a big city are the knock off purse vendors).

Tall boots from Zara (because I NEEDED these) + black leggings.
Afterwards, my lovely shopping partner, Melissa, and I went back to my house to make a batch of Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies. Everything was going along fine until we read "Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight".

Alas, Melissa was not able to reap the benefits of making the cookies, which turned out to yield much benefit at all. I think if these had baked for 3-4 minutes less, they would have been just fine.


But you know what you do with overdone cookies? Cover them with ice cream. Problem solved.

Tongol Tuna Salad Tartine

I learned something today. Tongol tuna is the way to go. It’s cheaper than albacore, less mercury, and has a more mild flavor. I picked some up from Whole Foods on the way home, followed by 22 minutes of yoga (3 days in a row ya’ll!) then whipped together dinner.

I used to think tuna salad always had to have mayonnaise, but I hardly make it with the stuff anymore. This recipe (which I adapted from a NY Times Recipes for Health recipe) used:
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp capers
S&P
2 cans tuna
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 scallion, chopped

Combine the capers, garlic and salt in a bowl and mash. Mix in tuna, and follow with the remaining ingredients. I topped wheat toast with the tuna salad and more Greek yogurt for mine and Havarti cheese for Evans.

Just found out I’m headed to Disney World for the first time in May! I hear it blows Disney Land out of the water…

Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies

I had waited long enough to use my new mixer. For its maiden voyage I chose chocolate chip meringues. We used to buy the chocolate chip meringue cookies from Trader Joes when I was little and I just thought they were the best treat. Light, crunchy and sugary. I think I agree with my five year old self; they’re dangerous.Also, no surprise, LOVE THE MIXER. I just got to stand there and watch it do its thing. I’m making stiff peaks, no big deal.

I found this recipe on Allrecipes. It called for:
3 egg whites
1/8 tsp cream of tartar (contrary to its name, it is a powder)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2/3 cup sugar
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/3 cup chocolate chips
Beat together the first three ingredients until soft peaks form. Slowly beat in sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in cocoa powder and chocolate chips.

Plop teaspoon size drops (I did them a bit larger) onto a greased baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 at 300 degrees.

Then try your best not to eat them all. Wish me luck!!