Saturday, May 7, 2011

For Mom


What better day than Mother’s Day to remind Mom how you feel? I remember a long time ago my mom telling me (probably in response to my complaining that “I never got anything”), that my grandma used to say that every day was Kid’s Day. And now, twenty-some years later, I’d have to say I agree. Even at 30, being the “kid” rocks. Grandma definitely spoke the truth…every day really is Kid’s Day, whether you’re 5, 35 or 55. So on one day out of 365, I’d like Mom to know that even if only one of them is called Mother’s Day, I truly think she deserves more.


I talked a little bit about my mom in my last post. I even told you her age, which I’m sure she was thrilled about. But my point was only that for her (advanced) age, she is a very cool mom. She is the mom that all my friends wished they had when we were growing up. She is the mom that really meant it when she said that if you told the truth things would be better. Because of that, we forged a very honest relationship very early on (minus a couple of my miserable teen years, which I’m sure we’d both like to forget). Our relationship has gotten stronger day after day, year after year.


A few random things about my mom:

She will outlast you in Vegas even if she did wake up at four in the morning to get ready to go to the airport. And she will always, ALWAYS, heckle you if you want to take a nap or go to bed.

She screams (or maybe shrieks is a better word) when playing games. Board games, card games, video games…doesn’t matter what the stakes or what the game; shrieking will ensue. And then, after claiming she can’t even see the screen, she will beat you at archery and bowling on the Wii.

She cares. Her heart is huge and she will cry if she hears about an animal in distress or a complete stranger going through tough times. She is sympathetic and empathetic.

She is supportive. Maybe she’s a bit biased, but she has always been my biggest cheerleader. She lifts me up, swears it’s going to get better, and does everything in her power to make sure it does.

In short, my mom is incredible, one of my best friends, and tons of fun. Today and every day, I hope she knows this.

Here is a sweet edible bouquet idea for your mom, made up of chocolate and peanut butter truffle pops and sure to be the best candy she gets all day.


Chocolate Chip Cookie and Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Truffle Pops

Makes 16 pops

4 large soft chocolate chip cookies, divided use
1/4 cup peanut butter cream cheese
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup Wilton’s chocolate candy melts
1/2 cup Wilton’s peanut butter candy melts
1/4 cup roasted, salted peanuts
16 small lollipop sticks

In a food processor, grind 3 cookies into a fine crumb. Add the cream cheese and peanut butter and run until combined and formed into a ball.

Divide mixture into 16 small balls (about 1/2 ounce each) and insert a lollipop stick into  each. Refrigerate several hours until firm.

When ready to dip truffles, separately grind peanuts and remaining cookie in food processor into a fine crumb and place on separate plates. Melt candy melts in separate bowls according to directions.

Carefully dip truffles in one candy melt to coat and one topping of your choice, then refrigerate. (A small foam block easily holds the pops upright.) Truffle pops are ready to serve when coating is set.

(Note - A little confession: I used some Costco cookies that were a bit past their prime. Stale cookies are totally fine here.)


When biting into these truffles, you first crunch through the outer shell of either peanut butter or chocolate, giving you a hint of what’s to come. The peanut butter hits you, then a trace of cream cheese, followed by the decadent richness of the chocolate and it all combines into a creamy, dreamy bite. They are sweet, but not overly so, and the next thing you know you’re reaching for your sixth truffle pop. Just make sure you save a couple for Mom…


And don’t forget to show her some love today (and every other day for that matter).

Happy Mother’s Day!



48 comments:

  1. What a beautiful tribute to your mom Karen; brought tears to my eyes.
    Happy Mothr's Day to you too.
    Rita

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  2. This is such a heartfelt and lovely tribute to your Mom. That being said, she is so lucky to be the recipient of those delicious truffle pops! Happy Mothers Day!

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  3. Happy mothers day to your mom! Sounds like a great lady and the pops are perfect for today!

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  4. I love that you added fun facts about your Mom! Happy Mother's Day to her!

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  5. Fantastic post, your mum sounds incredibly special :) Thanks for sharing and for these fantastic truffle pops!

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  6. These sound terrific! Happy mother's day to your mom.

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  7. Karen, you out did yourself with this post! The pops are simply beautiful, I love the photos and the words about your mom! Please can I hang out with her?! Please! XO

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  8. Now that I've stopped crying I'd like to say this is the best Mother's Day gift you've ever given me.
    I love you,
    Mom

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  9. Oh what a beautiful post!!! And the pops are also gorgeous!

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  10. Gorgeous!! Great recipe and beautiful photos!

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  11. A Lovely tribute to you mom. A beautiful bouquet of goodies.

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  12. What a great tribute... this is a lovely bouquet of treats I cant wait to try out!

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  13. What beautiful truffle pops...your photos are gorgeous. And I love your mom, too, after reading your sweet tribute...what a fabulous role model...I'm sure you both feel very lucky to have each other~

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  14. LOVE these! What a great idea and a lovely tribute to your mom. : )

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  15. How fun! And great pictures!!!!!!!!!

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  16. First of all, those peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie pops, with cream cheese... amazing! Second of all, those stories about your mum.. truly wonderful :)

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  17. They look perfect! And sooo yummy... i love your blog! I watch you often by now.

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  18. What a heart felt post. Sounds like you have an amazing mom! I am lucky to as well, almost lost her a few years back and every day is a gift...reading your post is a reminder of how amazing she is. Thank you for sharing. In regards to the pops, amazing idea! So much better than the cake pops mixed with all the frosting. I have been on a chocolate PB kick this week and with the addition of cream cheese and nuts, you can't get a better combo. Bookmarked and buzzed!

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  19. One of the best posts I've read all year. Thanks for shining the light. I'm your newest fan.

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  20. Great looking pictures, wonderful sounding food, and even better stories about your mom!

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  21. What a beautiful post. And everything you said about your mother is true. I only wish I had a daughter like you!

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  22. What a lovely tribute to your mom (who isn't old, btw!) Your bouquet of treats looks really yummy. :)

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  23. How cute are these! I love how you've displayed them in a vase. I would make these for my mom, but I think I might eat them all before they got to her. I can't resist the combination of chocolate and peanut butter!

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  24. First time in your wonderful delicious blog and I am touched to read such beautiful tribute to your Mom!
    Chocolate chip cookie pops looks awesome!

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  25. This is truly one lovely post, Karen! Your mom is a special lady and really wonderful to see how close both of you are! The truffles pops add a sweetness to this lovely day! Your truffles are fantastic! Have a lovely day, ladies!

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  26. Karen, thank you for sharing such a wonderful story about your mom! She sounds like a very, very special mom and I enjoyed reading about her. And these truffle pops look yummy! Incredible pictures too!

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  27. OMG these pics are so beautiful and pops are so yummy!! LOL

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  28. Such a nice post about your mom! These sound delicious.

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  29. These look amazing! What a great post!

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  30. What a great tribute to your mom!

    She must have LOVED those cake pops :)

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  31. Good job. They look professional.

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  32. Those look absolutely wonderful! I want some like now.haha

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  33. Your Pops are beautiful, very striking photos. How cool and loving is the relationship between you and your Mom!!!

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  34. What a lovely and touching post! The pops are gorgeous and the pics are so inviting!

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  35. Found your blog through Mindy's and I am so glad I did.
    That is a wonderful tribute to your mum..she sounds like a wonderful person..
    your recipe and photography are stunning

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  36. These look amazing such wonderful photos!

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  37. These truffles look so good, love the PB and chocolate combination. A great present for mom!

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  38. Your blog is amazing! Great recipes and photography! Will be following you more more great stuff! Would like to invite you to follow my blog too :)

    http://personalfoodjournal.blogspot.com

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  39. wonderful post; these look beautiful and delicious!!!

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  40. Oh my, pure indulgence...fantastic presentation.

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  41. Congrats on hitting the top 9 today!! I've been waiting until my new website is "done" before signing up for Foodbuzz FP. How have you found it. Any recommendations?

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  42. Wonderful post and such beautiful pops.

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  43. Your mother is so lucky to have such an amazing daughter. Your post is heartfelt and lovely. The pops are a fitting tribute to your Mom:)

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  44. your recipe calls for 1/4 c. peanut butter cream cheese- is this a type 0 and supposed to be regular cream cheese.

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    Replies
    1. @Nancy - Nope, not a typo. There is actually peanut butter flavored cream cheese available.

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