Chocolate Oreo Truffles

I first tasted these at my Dad's house.  Kathy gave me one of these choice morsels on  my last visit.  They were one of the most scrumpious treats I have ever had.   They make a wonderful Valentines Day treat.  Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

1 16 ounce Package Oreo Cookies

  I used "Newman's Own",  he doesn't use hydrogenated oil in his

8 ounces cream cheese 

softened to room temperature

16 ounces of semi sweet chocolate chips 

or you can use milk chocolate, white, or mint flavored for a contrasting mixture
Toasted almonds, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or cookie crumbs, cocoa, candy sprinkles, or alternate colored chocolate or frosting to add variation and decoration

Instructions 

1. Place cream cheese in a bowl, and allow to soften.
2. Crush Oreos in a food processor.  
3. Add  the oreos to the cream cheese and mix thoroughly.  
4. Roll into walnut sized balls and place on a waxed paper covered cookie sheet.  
5. Place in refrigerator until cold and firm.
6. If you want to add nuts or an almond to the inside, you can add now.
7. Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips in a double boiler ( I saw Paula Dean using a glass Pyrex bowl over a pan of heating water on the stove top..... I liked that). 
8.  When the truffle balls are cooled and chocolate is melted, dip chocolate balls into chocolate extended from a tooth pick, skewer or fork.  
9. Place on wax paper to dry. 
10. If desired, sprinkle with additional cookie crumbs, sprinkles, nuts or drizzle with contrasting colored chocolate.  
11. Place each in a cupcake paper to give it a nice touch. 
12. Try to keep them out of sight until ready to serve... they may not last.