Mini Monets and Mommies: Hanukkah Oreo Truffle Balls: Menoreos!

I’ve been a bit obsessed with making Oreo balls. The sweet little cookie truffles are no-bake treats that almost anyone can make (even those of us who aren’t baking-inclined). This time I’m trying a Hanukkah take on the holiday desserts. My mother thought it was hilarious when I called them menoroes (sounds like menorah, but with the Oreo on the end). And yes, as of the late 90s Oreos are kosher (if you keep kosher).

This delicious chocolate recipe is hardly new news. Oreo cookie balls are everywhere. Walking down the aisles of my local grocery store – I see them (artistically advertised on the billboard-like centerpiece that’s taking up so much of the aisle that my cart almost knocks it down when trying to get by). On Pinterest – I see them. Everywhere online – I see them. The one thing that I have noticed is that when I see them, they are very much Christmas treats. There are red and green chocolate dipped cookie truffles, ones with red and green sprinkles and adorable teeny tiny snowmen (ok, so snowmen aren’t exactly Christmas – but do you associate them more with that holiday or Hanukkah?). What’s missing? The Oreo balls for the little Jewish kids (like my son).

I’m sure someone (or lots of someones) have made Hanukkah cookie truffles before. It often feels like there are no completely new, original ideas up for grabs. But, while experimenting with different holiday recipes (yes, I jumped on the Christmas cookie bandwagon) I also wanted to make a few that celebrate Hanukkah.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

· 1 package of Oreos -- the double stuff ones work best

· White chocolate bars

· Blue sugar crystals – this comes in a variety names, depending on where you shop. You’ll want to look for chunky crystals that have been colored blue. If you can’t find them you can substitute blue sprinkle or make your own with regular course sugar and blue food coloring.

· 6 oz. of cream cheese

· Wax paper

Here’s What to Do:

1. Crush the Oreos in a food processor. It’s tempting just to crunch them up with your hands or a potato masher. I prefer the lowest tech option, but you’ll need to make the cookies into a sand-like consistency. That requires a food processor.

2. Pour the cookie crumbles into a bowl. Mix in the cream cheese. Use your hands (or have your child use hers). Really get in there and mash the mixture completely.

3. Roll the mix into balls that are slightly smaller than golf balls. Place them on a wax paper-covered plate and pop them into the freezer.

4. Freeze the chocolate mix for about an hour.

5. Melt the white chocolate. You can do a stovetop method or you can take the easier route of microwaving it. Use a microwave safe bowl to heat the chocolate for about one minute. Microwaves vary in strength, so keep an eye on the chocolate and stop the heating process when it melts. Do not touch the melty chocolate. It will be very hot.

6. Use a spoon or poke each ball with a toothpick to add a coating of the white chocolate.

7. Set the truffle on the wax paper. Sprinkle the blue sugar over it.