12 Weeks of Christmas Treats - Week 1: Oreo Cookies and Cream Bark

I know, you are probably thinking, "Christmas Treats?!?! In September?!?! This girl's off her rocker!!" but give me a moment to explain. You see, last year I watched as other bloggers posted holiday goodies leading up to the various holidays, to give readers some new ideas for their own holiday cooking and baking. I thought, well, that's a great idea! Unfortunately it was my first year of blogging and I didn't have holiday items available ahead of time to share. Sad clown.

This year however, when a friend from my cooking board so kindly shared the information about this fun blog hop, hosted by Brenda from Meal Planning Magic, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get a head start on sharing some delicious holiday treats with my amazing readers, not only from my blog, but from the other participants. Every Thursday, for the next 12 weeks, there will be an array of Christmat treats posted. Now, you'll have no shortage of options when you start your own holiday baking!!

For my first installment, I bring to you this delicious oreo cookies and cream bark. With the white chocolate, doesn't it just look like Christmas?? And this is, by far, one of the simplest desserts you can make. Two ingredients, and about 20 minutes, and you have a delicious treat that will please anyone!! This was actually my first attempt to make any sort of chocolate bark, but it definitely won't be the last!!

I took it to work (of course I did!) and it was wiped out pretty quickly. I can tell you a few people who are very excited for this blog hop project. 12 weeks of guaranteed treats? Yep, I have some happy co-workers.

If you are interested in joining in on the blog hop fun, check out Brenda's blog for more information. And thank you, Brenda for hosting this fun event!

Oreo Cookies & Cream Bark

Source: Baker Royale

Ingredients

• 15 regular-size Oreos
• 10 oz white chocolate chips (or white chocolate bark)

Preparation

1. Line an 8x8 baking pan with foil, parchment paper, or wax paper, with a 1 inch overhang on all sides,  and set aside.
2. Place 15 of the Oreos in a plastic bag and smash with your hand or a mallet, until broken into pieces.
3. Melt the chocolate either in a double boiler over low heat or in a microwave safe bowl, 30 seconds at a time, until just melted. Be careful not to overheat! Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
4. Add the crushed Oreos and stir to combine. Scoop the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth out to an even thickness. You can add additional crushed Oreos to the top if you'd like, then put in the fridge for about 10 minutes to harden.
5. Remove the bark from the pan, via the lining, and use your hands or a fork to break into pieces.
6. Voila! You have bark!

Week 1, September 27, 2012