Oreo Truffles/Triple Chocolate Cookie Balls

INGREDIENTS:

OREO TRUFFLES
1 package (1 lb.) Oreo cookies
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, room temperature
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 bag milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1-2 teaspoons shortening (just enough to thin chocolate chips for dipping)

OR

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE COOKIE BALLS
1 package (1 lb.) Oreo cookies
1 package (3.9 oz.) JELLO chocolate pudding
1/2 cup cold milk
1 bag milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1-2 teaspoons shortening (just enough to thin chocolate chips for dipping)

DIRECTIONS:

1. If doing the triple chocolate truffles, mix pudding and milk together. If doing the oreo truffles, skip this step.
2. Using a food processor, grind cookies to a fine powder. With a mixer, blend cookie powder, cream cheese and vanilla extract OR pudding until thoroughly mixed (there should be no white traces of cream cheese). Roll into small balls and place on wax-lined cookie sheet.
3. Refrigerate for 45 minutes or until firm. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
4. In double-boiler, melt milk chocolate and shortening. Dip balls and coat thoroughly. With slotted spoon, lift balls out of chocolate and let excess chocolate drip off. Place on parchment-lined cookie sheet. (TIP: Fill a small 3/4 cup size bowl half full to dip truffles. That way, if the truffle falls apart, you don't ruin all of your melted chocolate with bits of truffles. Additionally, use a baby spoon to dip the truffle.)
5. In separate double boiler, melt white chocolate. Using a fork, drizzle white chocolate over balls. Let cool.
6. Store in airtight container, in refrigerator.