It has been almost three weeks since my last blog article. We have been cooking up a storm but I have not had my head in the game. I haven't been keeping track of the recipes or taking pictures. There's been a level of disorganization on my part but the only thing I can say is...life gets in the way.
In the past 8 weeks I have been in New York City, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, MO, and Chicago, IL (twice). I have eaten at some great restaurants as well as some greasy spoons and it has been quite an experience. I've trained on some new technologies, helped my son choose a college and attend an inspirational women's conference. But I'm glad I'm not flying for a while; I've traveled during 9/11 and can say the same for 5/1/2011.
This week, I organized myself and am ready to bring you some great recipes that will complement any cook-out or graduation party you attend this season.
So, let's start with one of the easiest desserts you could ever make and the quickest dessert to disappear at a party. Technically named "GOO" by my brother-in-law, this dessert is a holiday tradition. We made a large bowl of the chocolate oreo cookie trifle and had nothing left after 25+ people decided to have a taste after our Easter feast. It's sweet, it's chocolaty, it's death by chocolate! You can't just have a taste, seconds are always in order.
Not only is this aneasy recipe, you can change it up to make it your own. Think of the many combinations...
1. Vanilla wafers, peanut butter cookies, brownies, graham crackers, pound cake, angel food cake or chocolate chip cookies can be substituted for Oreo cookies.
2. Vanilla, pistachio, cheesecake or white chocolate pudding can be used instead of chocolate.
3. Add nuts, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mini chocolate chips, crushed Butterfinger bars or malted milk balls.
What's your fancy? Be the HIT of the next gathering you host or attend. This easy dessert will never disappoint!
Ingredients:
2 packages of Oreo cookies
2 large packages of instant chocolate pudding (one regular chocolate, one dark chocolate)
2 cups of milk
1 cup of half and half cream
2 large containers of cool whip (defrosted in the refrigerator)
1 package of Heath Bar bits
Preparation:
Start with the pudding. Place the two packages of pudding in a bowl and mix with the milk and half and half. With a beater, beat on medium-high speed until you reach a thick pudding consistency.
Use a large serving or trifle bowl. Start layering with cool whip on the bottom followed by 2/3 of the first package of oreo cookies, then half the pudding, 1/3 of the bag of heath bar bits, half the cool whip and repeat with the cookies, pudding, heath bar bits and cool whip for the top. Sprinkle with the remaining heath bar bits.
For best results, refrigerate overnight. If you don't have the time, you need at least 4 hours to allow the oreo cookies to get soft, bringing the trifle to the right consistency.
