Deadly Sin #1: Lust
Typically, lust is portrayed as an adulterous, carnal desire. Sometimes the desired thing comes to fruition and sometimes it remains locked in its Pandora’s box, leaving the coveter to pine for it for a lifetime. Once that desired thing is obtained, the beholder eventually becomes disillusioned and so moves on to a new object of lust. It is cyclical and only ever temporarily fulfilling.
From the perspective of a self-proclaimed foodie, lust is that feeling you get when walking along Halsted in Chicago, lingering for a moment outside Alinea— one of the most acclaimed eateries on planet Earth. Supposedly, Alinea takes its guests on an epic gastronomic adventure, teasing and tantalizing each and every tastebud on the tongue. Each of the upwards of twenty courses is, according to reviews, a masterpiece in both flavor and presentation, and elevates the experience of fine dining to something almost ethereal. At $210.oo a person, it had better be downright epiphanic and life-changing. But that’s the thing… the expectations are so great that even if it does materialize into an incredible meal, that lust will slowly dissipate once the final empty dessert plate is whisked away.
Lust is also the beginning of the end of every fairy tale gone wrong. Why scamper into that awesomely delicious-looking gingerbread house when you know a wicked witch is going to cook you in her La Cornue oven? If you had half a brain, you’d take your breadcrumbs and make blueberry bread pudding and save your ill-fated adventure for another time… or, you know, never.
Instead of lusting after what you don’t have, start loving the thing that’s yours to keep: this recipe, and the ensuing fruits of your labor.
*NOTE: Almond bark can be difficult to find in stores; click the following link to order on Amazon: Plymouth Pantry, Almond Bark Vanilla, 24oz Bag (Pack of 3)
Sugar Cookie Dough Truffles
Ingredients
- 2 cups Nilla wafers
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (available at Williams Sonoma (use vanilla extract if you're cheaping out))
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces white almond bark, melted
- Tie dye sprinkles
Instructions
- Pulverize Nilla wafers, sugar, and walnuts in a food processor
- Pour crumb mixture into a medium-sized mixing bowl
- Add melted butter, almond milk, vanilla bean paste, salt and flour and mix thoroughly
- Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on cookie sheet covered in parchment paper
- Stick dough balls in the freezer for 20 minutes to harden
- Melt almond bark in microwave-safe bowl in 30 second intervals until melted
- Use a fork to dip chilled truffles into the almond bark. Shake off excess coating by tapping the bottom of the fork on the side of your bowl. This process is a little tricky at first, but as you get going, you’ll get into a groove and your truffles will start looking more uniform.
- Place truffles back on cookie sheet, shake sprinkles over them immediately before the coating hardens, and place back in the refrigerator for an another 15 minutes. Once truffles have hardened, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator until serving.
Jennifer Jensen (@JenJensen) says
These look awesome! You should try submitting some of your recipes to TasteSpotting! (http://tastespotting.com)
kailley says
Thank you! Per your suggestion (thank you thank you thank youuu), I ventured over to TasteSpotting (I’ve admittedly never heard of it)– I think I’m in love. I’m so, so impressed with the food photography. Some recipe submissions are officially in the works! 🙂
Tiffany says
These look wonderful! I was wondering why the almond bark is listed twice? Once under the ingredients and then again under the coating but I only see it in the recipe being used as the coating? Just wanted to check before I make them. Thanks!
Kailley @ Kailley's Kitchen says
Thanks, Tiffany! And ohmigosh, I’m so glad you caught that– my mistake! The almond bark is for the coating only. I’ll edit the recipe right now to make sure there’s no further confusion =) Let me know how they turn out for you if you make them!
Kelly- Left Side of the Table says
Who doesn’t love a sugar cookie right?! Totally was not expecting to see vanilla wafers in this recipe…the combo of ingredients is really interesting and sounds delectable!! Love that you use vanilla bean, instead of vanilla extract. Also, almond milk..i’m kind of obsessed with it right now 😀 Thanks for sharing!