2/4/09

Tasty Truffles LOVE! (& 4RE Exciting News!)


I apologize for this lengthy post, but I have some very exciting 4RE news to share as I'm heading to Nashville tomorrow! Yes, I will be attending the Blissdom '09 Conference this weekend! Are you going?

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, do you remember my Balcony Girls post last month, where we had an impacting lesson on “words” and where we made mouth-watering Oreo Truffles?

It's so easy
As promised, I said I’d share this SIMPLE recipe with you. It’s EASY for kids to make, in that they can use their own creativity by adding different flavors and decorations – to make their very own truffles! My daughter, Abby, just whipped up a batch this past weekend and had a ball decorating them herself. I think she has the recipe memorized now!

Remember it's not about perfection
I didn't stand over my daughter making sure these truffles turned out perfectly round, or that they were dipped exactly right. She had success in making them her own, and I will say it got a little messy!

What a delicious tasty treat to give away to teachers, grandparents or even neighbors!


OREO Truffles
18 oz. package of OREO Cookies
8 oz. package of Cream Cheese, softened
16 oz. Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted


(I doubled the recipe using ½ fat-free and ½ regular cream cheese. I also used dark chocolate, which I bought in the bulk section at Winco grocery store.)


Mix cream cheese and crushed (fine crumbs) Oreo cookies together


Roll dough into 1 inch balls, putting on wax or parchment paper


Refrigerate for 30 minutes


Dip balls, using toothpicks or a spoon, into melted chocolate (use double broiler or microwave on 50%)


Refrigerate another 30 minutes until chocolate hardens


Decorate and Devour! Or package them up and give them away! I think we’ll be sharing this tasty LOVE with others by passing some out ourselves!


I’m on my way to Nashville!
Yes, I'm on my way to Nashville for the Blissdom ’09 Conference. It all came together rather quickly, thanks to Melissa (Inspired Room), and Nester (The Nester), and Emily (Chatting at the Sky), who are letting this Oregon-small-town-blogging-gal share a room with them!


Yep, lots of excitement
We’re going to have so much fun (I wonder if I will sleep!) Thanks to these awesome girls – and my free air miles! And to Mrs.Fussypants, for putting on such an exceptional event!

And a gigantic thank you to Meredith (Like Merchant Ships) who is picking me up from my hotel on Thursday, and taking me to … (drum roll …) her home for dinner!

Can you believe I'm going to Meredith's house for dinner?
Meredith is hospitality, in my mind. She is the essence of it - she lives and breathes it. She is a great example and role model for all women. She is a friend that I have admired from afar, as we both share a love for hospitality. I'd say she is the "queen" of frugality, as she has inspired and helped so many women across the country by being so real with her thrifty ways!

It’s all about connection
All this to say, I am blessed. I am happy to be able to meet, greet, and share in the lives of many talented women for 3 whole days – to learn, grow, and connect. I'm looking forward to meeting some old friends like Rhoda and Shannon, and some new friends like Deanna, Jen and Kimba!

Ask Sandy … CWO
If you’re tired and burned out - you’re just “done” with trying to be a hospitable person - read my latest article Wake Up Your Heart: Get Over the Burnout. I think many women relate to hospitality burnout – and hopefully you will be encouraged to try again! You can discuss this post on my blog, here.


Crosswalk.com
Crosswalk is an online inspirational site that brings insight and encouragement to people in all walks of life. Read my latest contributions, The Power of Empathy (on marriage), and Prickly Friends (on parenting), and a recent post to singles, Singles Can Offer Hospitality.

Blissful Home
Blissfully Domestic definitely needs to be bookmarked, as it has something for everyone! It’s an online magazine devoted to real life – written by seasoned women, just like you and me. I’ve been asked to be a contributor for the Blissful Home channel, thanks to my friend Melissa. You can read my most recent post, Valentine Dish Swap!


Top 100 Christian Women's Blogs for 2008!
It was also brought to my attention that 4RE has been listed as one of the Top 100 Christian Women’s Blogs for 2008. I am truly humbled and surprised. I didn’t even know such awards existed, so thank you very much for the nominations! 4RE won under the Beautiful Cup Blog category!

I really appreciate the mission that was behind giving out these awards: This was not a contest. There were no prizes. We firmly believe that there is no competition in ministry and we are to support and encourage each other as the body of Christ.


If you can take the time, it would be so worth checking out the other 99 blogs!

I see it this way
The beauty that is portrayed from my blog comes from comments, questions, suggestions and your inspiration. That is what makes 4 Reluctant Entertainers! My blog would not exist without you.

So thank you, faithful readers! I’ll be back next week ... (and would you please drop me a comment if you will be in Nashville? I'd love to meet you!)

36 comments:

NorahS said...

Wow! Lucky you! I want to hear all about Meredith when you get back!!!

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

Yea - I am so thrilled that you are coming, and rooming with my buddies IRL (except for Melissa...can't wait to meet her). :)
I'm driving with Emily and the NEster and then rooming with Kimba and Rhoda. I didn't realize that you knew Rhoda...what fun. So many strong believers to connect with...it will be a blessing of a weekend. :)

Darcy @ m3b said...

Have so much fun in Nashville!

I wish I could join you this weekend. You're meeting all my girls!

Shell in your Pocket said...

Have a wonderful time in Nashville! Can't wait to hear all about it.

I make those oreo truffles at Christmas..they are so good! But, yours are super cute with the red sprinkles!

Congrats on all the exciting things happening in your "blogging" life!
-sandy toe

Melanie said...

Congratulations on the blog award, Sandy!
I read your article on Empathy in Marriage - A+.

Melanie@Bella~Mella

An Ordinary Mom said...

Nashville is going to love you!

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

Have a wonderful trip! I wish that our paths could cross, maybe next year!

Congratulations on the recognitions. God is using you and your blog for His glory!

ellen b. said...

Oh have a wonderful time! Carpe Diem!

trish said...

I am a new follower of your blog and yesterday I spent a long time photo copying many of your recipes to create for my family. :o) Thank you for posting your truffles! What a delight it will be to create something so yummy for my "Valentine's" (my husband and children-smile).
How exciting to be heading to Nashville! What a super time you all will have!! :o) I would love to just be a fly on the wall! :o) Fun! Fun! Fun! :o)
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry I can't be there, you are going to have a blast! Nashville won't know what hit it ; )

Good job, Abby, on the truffles.

deb meyers

Trez said...

Yum!! Have fun and stay warm!

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

It won't be long now! Can't wait! :-)

blessings,
Melissa

Lulu and Co. said...

Have a great time and let me just say i am envious of all you wonderful women getting to spend 3 whole days together! What a blessing! Will be thinking of you all from a far! Safe travels!
LuLu

Laura said...

Wow that is a lot of excitement!! I sure wish I was going to Blissdom, have a great time. Can't wait to hear all about it!!

Laura

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Those truffles look so good!!

Have a safe and fun trip...can't wiat to hear all about it!

I just got home Monday night and got my package....thanks again...I love it!!

Lisa

southerninspiration said...

I so wish I could be in Nashville this weekend!!! It will be so, so much fun! Thanks for coming by my blog today, Sandy! I feel so honored that you came to visit me! I love following your blog! You are such an inspiration and encouragement to showing hospitality!
Suzanne

Sarah said...

Yum! The truffles look great, what a fun activity to with children! I recently updated my website and am having a great entertaining giveaway thursday! Feel free to stop by! Congratualtions on your beautiful new site!
www.sjgourmet.com

Donnetta said...

Have a fabulously wonderful time!! And congrats on the nomination!!!

You know I'm thinking of you and praying... Hugs!

Also, thanks for the oreo recipe. YUM!!!

the said...

LUCKY !!!!
I cant wait to hear about it, take lots of pics!!

Not only are those truffles easy but Yummy too ! I cant wait to try them out !
Thanks :)
Stephanie

The Nester said...

Can't wait to see you! Those truffles would also be a great room snack no?

PS, I snore.

Michele said...

The only problem with those truffles are that they are too too good to keep in the house. It is so easy to gobble them up. Must give them away. Must give them away. Have a great time at Blissdom and meeting Meredith

Darla said...

Sounds like you have a great time in store. I'll be reading the various links you left and waiting the hear how the trip went.

Darla

grace said...

i'm all too familiar with these little suckers...
have fun in nashville; tell the south hello for me!

Miss G said...

You're going to MEREDITH'S house for dinner!!!! Awesome! Kelly

p.s. behind on e-mail etc. but hosted a very fun dinner party last Friday night with salad and bread brought in. :) Kelly

GiBee said...

I made these for Christmas... you can make them even easier... I crushed the oreos in my food processor and then added the cream cheese to the food processor. Voila! Easy Peasy! And... deelish!

Jennifer said...

It is so exciting that you get to go! I really really wish I was going as well. If they do this every year than I can't wait to go next year!! :)

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Have a great time at Blissdom. It sounds soooo fun!!! Those oreo truffles are adorable. I will have to make some soon!

Thanks for coming by my blog. I will def be back to yours!

Jen

Unknown said...

what a fabulous blog you have! i've made those truffles before and they're soooo rich!

edie said...

I'm so excited you're coming. Can't wait to meet you!

Jeanne Oliver said...

Have such a wonderful time at the conference. It would be so much fun to be with like minded women. Those cookies....oh my goodness...that is mean to post something that looks that good when I am TRYING to be good!!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the award. I love your blog. God is definitely blessing your ministry.
Hey, I'm going to Nashville on Thursday for a Michael W. Smith Valentine's Weekend at Opryland. Any chance you can pop into any of the scheduled events for this fun weekend? I would love to meet you.

Laurie said...

Sounds fantastic! I hope you have a wonderful time!

Julie Gillies said...

Have fun in Nashville, Sandy - it's my second home since our oldest son and his wife (and our 4 grandkids) live just north of the city.

Congrats on your award, my friend. Well done!

Amber said...

Congratulations on being included in the 100 list!

I know that you love simplicity and finding way to make tasks in the home and kitchen even easier, so I wanted to share my trip for chocolate dipping. Crockpot sells a Little Dipper crockpot that is a mini. If you use a 20% off coupon at Bed Bath & Beyond you can get it for less than $15. If you put your chocolate in the Little Dipper and plug it in, it melts perfectly right in the crockpot without using a double broiler or microwave. The other great part is that it will keep it at the perfect consistency for dipping for hours. I've used it to dip candies and pretzels and was amazed at how much easier it was! I didn't have to worry about it scorching in the microwave or the steam from the double broiler that always seems to want to burn my arm as I dip! Just thought I would share my favorite chocolate dipping tip with you! I have been wanting to try the Oreo truffle recipe, so maybe sometime soon!

sweetfunkyvintage said...

That recipe looks amazing! I can't wait to try it!
missy

Anonymous said...

I've been a luker for a long time;). I had to tell you that we made your truffle recipe. My son went to a youth group valentine party. The guys were in charge of dessert and the girls were in charge of finding the BEST one. My son made the truffles and won the prize for "Best Tasting" out of the whole Jr. and Sr. high!
Laura