An easy recipe, which the crowds love, just ask my co-workers

Today was the holiday party at work. Work supplies the salad and main course, and those who want to bring desserts, bring desserts.

I brought a carload of goodies.

The best seller of the day: Oreo Balls

8 oz. softened cream cheese (I did use the low fat kind, if that helps you)
1 package of oreo’s (I think they were 16 oz), crushed. Crush the entire cookie, don’t remove the filling
2 cups semi sweet or milk chocolate chips
1 T shortening (I use Crisco)

Mix cream cheese with electric mixer until fluffy. Add the crushed Oreos and beat on high until well mixed. Chill for at least 2 hours in the freezer. Then roll Oreo cookie mix into one inch Oreo Balls.
Next, melt the chocolate chips and shortening with a double boiler or in the microwave.
Dip the Oreo balls completely into the melted chocolate using tongs or a toothpick.
Put on wax paper. After the Oreo balls harden, keep them in the refrigerator.

Makes about 3 or 4 dozen Oreo Balls, depending on the size

Rebecca is mentioned in the Wall Street Journal today - How cool is that????

Read all about it!!!!!!!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703766704576009522429956708.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Perplexus

Sooo, apparantly I am soooo very trendy. We have gotten this toy for three of Mark's friends.

And he wanted it. . . . so last night he opened it for Chanukah.

My friend just told me it was on Good Morning America today. . . . as a great toy. Annabelle from the Green Planet in Newton Highlands recommended it, and now I know that she is brilliant. This was back in June!

Naomi got a Pinkalicious Dolly, and she is happy as a clam!

Half Baths - which some call powder rooms

http://www.designtrackmind.com/2010/08/7-tips-for-perfect-powder-room.html?utm_source=BP_recent

LOVE the need for a LOUD FAN!

Proposed Thanksgiving Menu - Looking for Input

Carrott puree with spices (from Spice Cookbook - Oleana)
Knishes (vegetarian)

Homemade bread
Turkey and Gravy (my mom is making)
Stuffing - Hazelnut and Apricot
Shiitake Pot Pie (Vegetarian Times Thanksgiving Cookbook)
Sweet Potato with Gingersnap Crust
Asparagus
Cranberry sauce

Fruit
Candied Cranberry Chocolate Tart
Chocolate Pie (Mae's recipe)
Apple Pie (from the Pie and Pastry Bible)
Oreos (made from Flour Cookbook)
Chocolate Chip Cookies (from the Flour Cookbook)
Mandelbred (from the Boston Globe)
Brown Butter Pecan Tart

Challah

I love challah.

My family loves challah.

I make a great challah in the bread machine. The bread machine mixes, kneads and rests the dough. Then I shape it, let it rise again, and POP it in the oven for 25 minutes.

Yesterday I made that challah and another challah. It was a challah throw down!

Vegetarian Empanadas

A few years back, a new neighbor made homemade empanadas, that were out of this world. Of course, they were filled with meat, so my hubby couldn't try them. I kept saying how amazing they were!

Of course, I had to make them, and needed a recipe. I did find a recipe years back, that involved premade puff pastry dough! A blessing!!!!!

So, to make the empanada, you defrost the package of puff pastry for about 45 minutes (or an hour), and then start to make the filling, which is 3/4 cup of chopped onion, sauteed, and then mixed with a can of drained black beans, cumin, salt and pepper. Pour the onion and bean mixture into the food processor, and pulse (don't make cat food).

Roll out the dough, and cut into squares (I usually get nine squares out of a sheet). Put the a small dollop of filling onto the dough, then shred some cheese (cheddar for me), and then paint the edges with egg wash. Fold. Crimp. Put on a greased cookie sheet.

Put in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes (turning the pan once).

COOL or you will burn your tongue!

Serve with rice and a side veggie (asparagus is a favorite)