Oreo Balls

 So so yummy and rich.  You can only eat a few before you are done!  This is something I only make at Christmas time, mostly because I am pretty sure they are really really bad for you:)  I'd never heard of them until we were in the army so I don't think they are very common in So. Cal.

For the recipe I just looked online at allrecipes.com and picked whichever recipe looked good.  Then I always crush some peppermint candy canes and put them on top.  I just really like peppermint and chocolate.

Ingredients:
1 pkg Oreo cookies
1 pkg cream cheese
bakers chocolate for melting
peppermint candy canes
wax paper

1.  Crush cookies in a processor or just put in a zip lock bag and crush with a rolling pin.

2.  Mix in a bowl with the cream cheese.

3.  Put bowl in the refrigerator or freezer to chill.  (This will help the balls stay together when you form them.  If they are too soft they will just fall apart.)

4.   Roll the mixture into balls and cover with melted chocolate.  Place on a baking sheet covered with wax paper.  Add a little melted chocolate to the top of each and sprinkle crushed candy cane on top if desired.  Put the cookie sheet back into the fridge or freezer to harden and set. 

Taco Soup

I love pushing the easy button.  I got this easy recipe from my friend Patsy when we lived in Germany.  We were going through the RLBT (Ridiculously Long Business Trip= 15 Month Deployment) and the easy button was quite coveted.  Most of the ingredients I can have on hand at any time and only need to make sure I have the ground beef and onion in stock.

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1 onion
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can corn, drained
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 package taco seasoning (I only use 1/3 of it, use to your own taste)
grated cheese (I like colby jack, but whatever type of yellow cheese you like)
sour cream
tortilla chips

Brown ground beef and onion.  I do this in a big pot instead of frying pan, less dirty dishes that way.  Then add the tomatoes, corn, beans and seasoning.  Simmer 15-20 minutes.  Serve with cheese, sour cream and chips.    Lately I've been wanting to add salsa or cream cheese to the mix and see how it tastes.  Jason calls this nachos because it's thick.  Whatever you call it, it's yummy.
Happy eating everyone.