Happy Valentine’s Day to all!
As someone who has spent many Valentine’s Days both single and in relationships, I’ve never really understood the bitterness towards this holiday. Sure, it’s a Hallmark holiday, but if you’re in relationship, it’s another opportunity to remind that special someone why you love them and if you’re single, it’s the perfect excuse to bake some sinful sweets and show some of the important people in your life how amazing they are.
And let me tell you, after the “great breakup of 2014,” I have a long list of people to thank for their love, support and of course, patience. You see, I’m one of those people who constantly seeks advice from her friends and family. I listen earnestly, taking in every single word and vowing to take their wise advice. Yet somehow, I always end up doing the opposite. Thus, I owe a lot of “thank yous” to these patient people!
Anyway, lots to cover today and such little time to capture your attention. If you’re scrambling to bake something last-minute today, then I have just the recipe for you…and you don’t even have to bake. All you need to do is grab some of those new Cookie Dough Oreos, some cream cheese and melting chocolate and magically, you will have a rich, decadent and chocolatey truffle.
Personally, I always indulge a little extra on every major holiday. Therefore, I make the gym a priority on those days as well. Today’s workout is inspired by a class I took at the gym last week. The class combined simple boxing moves with intense bootcamp exercises, and I was a hot, sweaty mess by the end. Hopefully, this workout will do the same for you.
And finally, if you are single on Valentine’s Day, you may just want to stay in with some friends, eat those delicious oreo truffles and watch a nice, cozy romcom. I’ve put together a list of my top 10 romantic comedies that never fail to make me cry like a little baby but also remind me that the whole “happily ever after” deal does exist.
Let’s start with the truffles. What can I say? I’ve been reading about cookie dough Oreos for weeks now, and I just had to use them in a recipe. This might of been one of my smartest decisions ever. These Cookie Dough Oreo V-Day Truffles are smooth, rich and ooze chocolate in every single bite. The best part? You don’t even need to fire up that oven!
- 1 container Philadelphia 2X Protein Honey Cream Cheese OR 1 container lowfat cream cheese
- 30 Cookie Dough Oreo Truffles
- 1 bag pink or red Wilton Candy Melts
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Grind Oreos in food processor or blender until finely crushed. You may need to work in batches, and be sure to scrape any big chunks off the side.
- Soften cream cheese in microwave for 10 seconds, and use mixer to combine Oreos and cream cheese until well-blended.*
- Shape into 1 inch balls and place on baking sheet. Freeze for about 20 minutes - this helps ensure your melting chocolate coats the balls well.
- Melt chocolate according to package instructions and dip balls into chocolate. Top with festive sprinkles, and place back on baking sheet.
- Refrigerate until serving or for at least 20 minutes.
- A mixer is not required to combine the Oreos and cream cheese, but I have found the mixer to be much more effective than my hands!
Admittedly, my chocolate dipping skills weren’t as on-point as when I made my Gingerbread Truffles for Christmas. Back then I used a chocolate melting pot, which helped immensely. In addition, I added shortening to the chocolate, which is the secret ingredient to getting your chocolate to coat all evenly and shiny.
However, though the chocolate may be a little rough around the edges, the taste is certainly on-point! The Cookie Dough Oreos definitely take these little truffles over the top.
If you’re hosting a Valentine’s Day party, there is still more than enough time to whip up a batch of these no-bake treats. Simply serve ’em up in a lined dish next to some conversation hearts and hug n’ kisses.
You might also package them up and give them to your friends and family to tell them how amazing they are…
I’m happy to receive any candy on Valentine’s day, but homemade treats feel extra special.
Friends in Omaha who are reading this right now, these boxes and little treat bags are not for you…but maybe you should check your doorsteps when you get home, JUST in case.
Now, let’s talk about that workout. I’ve been in search of a kickboxing class since I got to Omaha, and I was pumped when I finally woke up early enough last Sunday for the class at my gym. I walked into the class bleary-eyed and half asleep, relying on the typical high-energy kickboxing combinations to jolt me awake. So, when the instructor demanded burpees and bosu squat jumps, I was completely thrown for a loop. It was way more of a challenge than I anticipated at 8 am on a Sunday morning.
I walked out of the room sweating like a pig and inspired to concoct a similar workout for myself!
I can give you a Sometimes Healthy guarantee that you will be exhausted after this workout! It’s a full body workout, but your legs will definitely feel the burn. If you have any questions about the bosu moves, please leave them in the comments section. You can also google all of these moves and find a quick youtube video to ensure that you’re doing each exercise correctly.
Finally, as mentioned above, I wanted to provide you all with a handy-dandy list of my favorite romcoms, in case you’re spending the night inside tonight. If you’re a singly lady like myself, I suggest you call up a few girlfriends and watch one of these tear jerkers. And please, remember that there is no shame in staying in on Valentine’s Day! Just do what feels right for YOU – I personally never turn down a night on the couch with some good friends, wine, cheese and a nice, cheesy movie.
Yes, it’s an eclectic mix, and there are certainly no “classics” in this list. But, what do all of these movies have in common? Answer: a happy ending full of over-the-top, grand gestures that may never happen in real life (but one can always hope). Definitely, Maybe tops the list for its sweet, simple storyline that just tugs at the ol’ heartstrings. Just TRY to hold back the tears when Ryan Reynolds tells his little daughter, “I forgot to tell you the happy ending…”
Now, after this marathon post, it’s time to get started with my Valentine’s Day – I’m looking forward to showing the special people in my life just how much I love them. You know who you are…
Ohhh mannnnnnn, those truffles! I waaaaaaant some!!! 🙂
Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life recently posted…Fun Facts Friday {2/14}
Too bad I don’t live in NY anymore – I’d drive ’em up your way…than again, that persistent snow might make it hard.
You should definitely whip up a batch 🙂
drooling … those truffles look delicious!! 🙂
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Thanks Lisa – Happy Valentine’s Day to you as well!
What a great idea on how to use the new cookie dough Oreo’s! Seriously. You’re genius. Heading to the store now… Or I guess tomorrow maybe. It is almost 10pm after all. Haha. 🙂
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