Oreo Cheesecake-Pops

Today is Valentine’s Day, and Steve and I have absolutely nothing planned. There are a lot of reasons, but the biggest one is that we were never all that into Valentine’s Day. Who needs the crowds at the restaurants and prix-fixe menus? I mean, it’s not like we won’t do anything – he’s cooking dinner and I made these cake pops for dessert. Obviously, these are in no way healthy. I can’t even spin it in any way whatsoever. But as I’ve mentioned before, i think balance is an important aspect of life. If you exercise regularly, and eat healthy, whole foods most of the time, there is absolutely nothing wrong with treating yourself now and then. And most of the people that feel guilty and give themselves grief about having that piece of pizza or cake, are the ones that shouldn’t because they take such good care of their bodies. Being a crazed health freak isn’t healthy either! So after work tomorrow, relax with the one you love (or by yourself), and enjoy one of these outrageous Oreo cheesecake pops. The banana soft serve and wheat berry pudding will be there tomorrow!

Oreo Cheesecake-Pops – inspired by Brown Eyed Baker’s oreo truffles
Yield: about 16 pops
Ingredients:
1 package Oreos
1 8 oz. Block of cream cheese, at room temp
1 bag of good chocolate chips (1 used 1/2 milk chocolate and 1/2 semisweet melted together)

Put the entire package of Oreos in the food processor and process until they are crumbs (you will have to do this in batches if your fp is smaller, like mine). Take 3 cups of the Oreo mixture and place in a large mixing bowl with the cream cheese. Using a hand mixer, mix the cookie crumbs and cream cheese until fully blended. Take some of the mixture in your hand and roll into a ball the size of a golf ball. Place on cookie sheet. Repeat until mixture it gone. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Before taking out of fridge, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 10-15 seconds until completely melted. Stick your lollipop stick in the top of your balls and one at a time, dip into the melted chocolate. Twist the stick back and forth over the bowl to ensure all of the excess chocolate comes off. Gently dip the pop into the topping of your choice, if you wish (i used crushed nuts). Place stick into the styrofoam. Repeat until they are all dipped and place back in the fridge for another 45 minutes before eating.

*store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge

Creamy, chocolatey, goodness. I went to Michael’s over the weekend and picked up a 30 pack of these cake/lollipop sticks for $3.99. The piece of styrofoam was $3.99 too, and I’ll be able to use it multiple times.

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!