Candy Cane Joe-Joe Truffles

This recipe takes the Candy Cane Joe-Joe up a notch.  You don't believe me do you?  Just make these truffles yourself and see what you think.  Crushed Joe-Joes mixed with cream cheese, covered in chocolate, sprinkled with candy cane bits.    What's not to like about that?

It's such a happy day when Trader Joe's puts out these seasonal Joe-Joe's.   And I do mean day.  Sometimes these things barely stay on the shelves!  I can happily report that my local store has been stocked.   These cookies are so nice and refreshing I really don't feel like I'm eating a dessert...so then I eat about twelve cookies.  I don't sweat it.  I say if you're going to indulge at the holidays make it worth it.  The joe-joe's themselves are worth it, but these truffles are really worth it.  My favorite part is that they are no-bake! You can have these ready to share with friends in no time!  People get busy this time of year and may not want to spend a lot of time baking.  Share this recipe with them and you'll have a forever friend!

Candy Cane Joe-Joe Truffles

1 box Candy Cane Joe-Joe's, crushed  (found at Trader Joe's, or use Candy cane Oreos)

one 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened to room temperature

chocolate chips for dipping (I used milk chocolate)

crushed candy canes for garnish

Crush entire box of Joe-Joe's into a fine crumb.  I find this is easiest in a food processor. Transfer crumbs to a large mixing bowl.  Stir in cream cheese and mix until cream cheese is fully combined. Form into balls, I used a medium cookie scoop, and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Place cookie sheet in refrigerator and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes.  

Melt chocolate chips in microwave at 30 second intervals until completely smooth.  Using a toothpick, dip truffles in chocolate until completely coated.  Sprinkle with crushed candy canes if you like.

I like to keep them in the refrigerator and eat cold.

See how easy it is to turn a cookie into an even more awesome cookie? I recommend you go out and buy two boxes of Joe-Joe's: one to make truffles, and one to eat in the car on the way home. 

Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

I absolutely love these cookies.  Like, I eat half the batch I love them so much.  What's even better than the cookies?  Eating the "dough" right from the pan.  This is such an easy recipe, but one you should definitely have in your arsenal. It's another one I have written on a post-it note and have been using for years.  The recipe is no-bake, so it's perfect for any time of the year.  Too hot to turn on your oven?  Make these cookies.  Cold, rainy day? Definitely make these cookies.  You can't go wrong!  I love the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and the oats.  And you know what oats in a cookie mean...perfect for breakfast!

Chocoalte peanut butter no-bake cookies

makes at least 24 cookies, depends on size

Before making your cookies, lay out 2-3 sheets of wax paper on your kitchen counter/table.

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup milk

2 cups sugar

4 Tablespoons cocoa powder

1/2 cup peanut butter

2 teaspoons vanilla

3 cups rolled oats

In a heatproof bowl, combine oats, peanut butter and vanilla

Combine butter, milk, sugar and cocoa powder in a saucepan and melt ingredients together, stirring occasionally.  Bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil.  Once it begins to boil, set your timer and boil for exactly 1 and 1/2 minutes.  Remove from heat and pour over the oat mixture.  Stir to combine.  Once combined, immediately drop onto wax paper.  I used an ice cream scoop for measuring.   Let cookies cool until set.

I've seen a similar recipe made without the cocoa powder.  I'l have to also give that one a try...I'll keep you posted.  In the meantime, I'll be in the kitchen..eating these cookies.

No bake treats. Sugar High Friday roundup!

It's Friday.
It's summer.
What else could you ask for?
A quick and easy treat from your kitchen??


As you may remember, earlier in the month I announced that I would be hosting this month's Sugar High Fridays post. I decided to do a no-bake theme because who wants to turn on their oven in July?!?! Here in Seattle, we haven't quite hit summer, but I'm pretending.
I was so excited to see all these fun and unique ideas. I hope you make every one of them!!


Liz, who hosted a Sugar High Fridays with a sprinkles theme, made these delicious
Nutter Butter Trufles. Check out her blog for some other delicious treats.

Oh Liz..you shouldn't have. I'll eat a million of these! yum.




Rose shares recipes for South Indian Cuisine on her blog! She will be the host for next month's SHF! Should be fun! She sent in her recipe for Yogurt Berry Parfaits!

A perfect treat for anytime of the day! I think I'll go make one right now!


Next up, a rice dish from R&R! They share some great recipes influenced by their travels. This is a great dish to use up some of those fresh berries! Check out this Swirly Strawberry Rice.

Looks like a perfect summer dish!


While we're on the topic of strawberries, how about this classic? Sadaf sent me these Chocolate covered strawberries. A sure crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's fruit so....healthy! :)

I love the different sprinkles..really cute for a party.

How about another classic combination?? Sweet and Salty. The very sweet Lauren sent her

Chewy Chocolate Covered Pretzel Bars. She had me at pretzel...and chocolate.

Like she said, it's a great combo and you only need a few ingredients.


You can't have a no-bake theme without some ice cream. Lucky for us, Kristin sent in her homemade Lemon ice cream with Raspberry Coulis.

Kristin likes to incorporate healthy ingredients into her recipes, and she used Agave Nectar in this ice cream..I'll have to try this! Also....she blogs from Japan!


Now Rachel knows something about the heat! She lives on the East Coast and I know she's been battling the high temps! So how about a refreshing beverage??
Check out this great Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie

Another classic fruit and chocolate combo...I think you'll need a thick straw for this one!


This came straight from The Domestic Goddess herself! Sugar High Fridays creator, Jennifer, shared a great idea for fresh berries and poundcake.

That to me is summer.


And finally, Martha Stewart sent in this Chocolate and Peanut Butter Oatmeal bar recipe!

Okay, it wasn't exactly Martha..I made these bars, but I did use her recipe. They are a great treat, fit in one pan, cut and go. You can find her recipe on her website here.


Thanks to everyone who participated in this month's Sugar High Fridays.  I hope everyone reading will check out these great recipes and great bloggers.  I so enjoyed "meeting" everyone in this post.  
Now get to not-baking!