Simply Decadent

I went to a wedding this summer, and for the reception they had cupcakes and these cute little white chocolate dipped cake ball things. I wasn't sure what exactly they were, so of course, I had to keep trying them to try to decipher what was in them. Finally it dawned on me…it was OREOS! No wonder they were so good. But I figured there must be something really special about them, because they were that good. So after the wedding I hunted down the mother of the bride and beat the secret recipe out of her. Lucky for me, I've been best friends with her daughter since the time I was one, so I didn't have to beat too hard. : ) Perks, I tell you. Seriously, though. These are SO. GOOD. Perfectly decadent for something as classy as a wedding, and simple enough for your every day party. Or just your every day Tuesday. Whatever. The size is perfect too, just a couple bites in each. I decided to dip them in dark chocolate instead of white, and loved it. But you could use any type of chocolate. Pretty much, either way, it will be fabulous. I promise. Now, are you ready for the complexity of this secret recipe? Here we go…

Crush a bag of Oreos.

Mix in a softened block (8oz.) of creamed cheese.

Roll into balls and coat with melted white, milk, or even dark chocolate.

Eat about ten too many, and don't even regret it.

Pretty amazing, huh? Go forth and make deliciousness!

Kickin' Cabbage Wraps

What's this? A post?? Can it be true? I'm discovering that blog posting is only about fifty times more difficult with a feisty little five month old around. :) Today, I would like to introduce you to some of the tastiest, most scrumptious, addictive little gems. Cabbage wraps. They were inspired by the PF Chang's version. I humbly suggest that these are indeed better. But that's just me. We've been having these at least ever other week since we discovered them. Perfect for when you're craving some chinese take out! The beef and rice give it a nice hearty feel, the onions and garlic give some savory kick, and the carrots lend a nice sweetness. The cabbage has this wonderful crunchy bite, and sauce just takes it all over the top. Yum yum!


Cabbage Wraps

Cabbage Cups:
1 cabbage
Create cabbage cups by peeling the leaves off a cabbage, keeping them intact. Rinse each leaf and pat dry.


Filling:

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped and crushed
1 lb. carrots, peeled and sliced
1 1/2 C water
1/2 C soy sauce
1/4 C sugar
pinch of black pepper

2 cups of cooked sticky rice

In a heavy saucepan, brown the meat and pour off grease. Add onions and garlic, and saute until tender. Add all the other ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook, covered, until carrots are tender, about 20 min. Mix with the cooked rice.

Sauce:

*disclaimer- I must admit, when I make this I just mix and taste until I like the result. I need to pin down a more exact recipe, but haven't quite yet. So, feel free to adjust, and taste taste taste!

1/2 cup of vegetable oil
1/8-1/4 cup of soy sauce
2-3 Tbs sugar
2-3 cloves minced garlic
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 Tbs sesame oil

To assemble:

Scoop desired amount of filling into cup, drizzle with sauce, roll up and devour! Repeat as needed.