Cooking with Kelly: Fabulous Frozen Chocolate Delight

The title is a little deceptive. There is no cooking required for this fabulously impressive cheesecake-like dessert. I've made it twice now, once with a ganche top, and once with a shredded dark chocolate dusting. You do need specialized equipment for this concoction. Get yourself a springform cheesecake pan, which has a removable bottom for lovely presentation that tricks your coworkers into thinking you actually can cook. You can find these things at Goodwill on any day of the week.

Here's the recipe:

12 oreos, crushed

1/2 stick butter, softened

2 packages of cream cheese, softened (I use one regular, one reduced fat)

1 tub of whipped topping (can use light or regular)

1 can sweetened, condensed milk

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

2 tablespoons butter

Chocolate shavings (optional) or chocolate ganache

Mix the softened butter and crushed oreos together and press into the bottom of the pan. Place in the freezer to help it set up better. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on the low setting, whip together the cream cheese until fluffy, then add the condensed milk. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate and butter together in the microwave, heating for 30 seconds at a time on reduced power. Add the melted chocolate, scrapping the sides of the bowl as needed until all the ingredients are smooth. Move the mixture into a large bowl, the fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Gently spoon over the oreo crust. It should fill the pan to the top. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze overnight, then top with chocolate, if desired.

To serve, allow to thaw for 30 minutes, then run a butter knife around the edges before removing the springform sides. Use a sharp knife to portion.