Anne BralyAre you one of those people who sneaks into the kitchen when no one is looking and grabs an Oreo and dunks it into a glass of milk, secretly screaming for joy at a deliciousness that takes you back to your childhood? Well, sneak no more. It's time to come out of the cookie closet. Those wonderful sandwich cookies have grown up - and so have you. It's time to take a dip on the wild side.
I saw this recipe online and just had to give it a try. Oreos dunked in milk, yes. But spike the milk with some Irish cream and you have an adult dessert perfect for large gatherings that's as easy as opening a package of cookies, removing the middle row of cookies and using it as a "bowl" for the spiked milk. You don't have to dirty a single bowl. It's ingenious - and delicious.
Actually, there's a science to cookie dunking. There's more to it than you may have imagined. If you leave the cookie in the milk too long, it will fall apart on its way to your mouth; not long enough, and it will be far to crunchy for satisfaction. It's a culinary conundrum, but one that has been solved by a group of mechanical engineers at Utah State University's Splash Lab, a department that works to unravel the mechanisms of fluid behavior. A recent project was determining how long an Oreo could stand up to the pressures of dunking, and it was determined that the optimal time is four seconds, no more, no less. This timetable doesn't work for all cookies - graham crackers take just one second.
These party dunkers transport very easily, making them ideal for a tailgate party or other gathering away from home. Make the milk mix ahead of time, then simply pour it into the empty cookie compartment when you arrive at your destination. Use your imagination, too. In keeping with the adult Oreo theme, a little creme de menthe would be a nice addition in place of the Irish cream for a chocolatey-minty Oreo taste. Either way, it might make a good addition to your Halloween party - adults only, keep in mind. Or, fill a second container with milk only so the kids can take a dip.
Grown-Up Oreos
1 package Oreos
1/3 cup half-and-half
1/3 cup white chocolate liqueur
1/3 cup Baileys Irish Cream
Open Oreo package and remove all cookies from middle compartment. Save these cookies for extra "dunkers." Combine milk, white chocolate liqueur and Baileys in the empty compartment. Then, start dipping!
Benefit beer dinner
Join ChattaNeuter at The FEED Co. Table & Tavern on Wednesday, Nov. 1, for an exclusive five-course dinner with beer pairings. Chef Charlie Loomis has devised the menu with a little something for every palate.
Each course will be paired with a craft beer chosen by Loomis to complement the dish. All proceeds will go to benefit ChattaNeuter, Chattanooga's nonprofit spay/neuter clinic working to end pet homelessness in the greater Chattanooga area. Doors open at 5:30; dinner begins at 6:00. Seating is limited for this special dinner, so purchase tickets now at chattaneuter.vendevor.com. FEED is located at 201 West Main St. Tickets are $50 per person.
Contact Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com.