Another Anniversary

Here's another Anniversary that I didn't know about until I looked at the Toronto Star this morning:
the 100th Anniversary of the Oreo Cookie!

Oreo, the world's top-selling cookie turns 100 years old today, March 6, 2012.

There are 21 Oreo factories in the world and the cookie is sold in more than 100 countries. Canada is the fourth largest market after the US, China and Venezuela. 

To celebrate the great occasion of Oreo's 100th Birthday, the Montreal Oreo Factory has been opened for visitors and corporate chefs came up with a couple of special recipes. There's more information and an interesting video at The Toronto Star.

Here are the recipes:

Oreo Cookies & Cream No-Bake Cheesecakes

24 Oreo cookies

2 cups (500 ml) whipping cream
250-g package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
8 Mini Oreo cookies (optional garnish)

Finely chop 8 Oreos. Spoon into eight clear glasses. Coarsely chop remaining 16 Oreos.

In medium mixing bowl, beat cream with mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Reserve 1/2 cup (125 ml) for garnish; refrigerate until ready to use.

In medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla on high speed until creamy. Stir in remaining whipping cream. Add coarsely chopped cookies; mix lightly. Spoon over cookie crumbs in cups. Refrigerate until chilled, about 6 hours.

To serve, garnish with reserved 1/2 cup (125 ml) whipped topping and mini cookies, if desired.
Makes 8.


Oreo Banofee Parfait
(sorry, no picture)

1 cup (250 ml.) whipping cream
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) brewed strong coffee, chilled (optional)
12 Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped
2 bananas, thinly sliced
6 tbsp (90ml) dulce de leche (or other caramel spread)

In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar until stiff peaks form. Whisk in coffee, if using.

Layer half chopped cookies and half whipped cream mixture in six dessert dishes, clear glasses or martini  glasses. Top each with bananas and dulce de leche. Top each with remaining whipped cream mixture and remaining cookies.

Serve immediately or refrigerate several hours. Makes 6.