Strawberry Brownie Bonbons - 4 points

Let the count down to Valentine's Day begin! When I went to pick up Simon today his teacher said, "Be sure to look at the papers in his cubby before you give them to his mommy. We are having a Valentine's Day party. I know you will want to make something yummy for us!"

Pressure! Now I have to figure out what to make for the big V day party! I have seen several really great ideas in the blogosphere (blogroll to come- I have been making a list of my faves). I still haven't decided what I will do. While I think about it, here is an idea for a yummy Valentine's treat - strawberry brownie bonbons. Trust me- people will love you for these! They are like little bites of heaven - the hint of strawberry and cream cheese mixed chocolately goodness and rolled in a semisweet shell. They are also rich enough that I can eat just one and completely satisfy my sweet tooth.

Strawberry Brownie Bonbons
1 package brownie mix
1 can cream cheese frosting
1 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
3 tbsp butter
6 tbsp chocolate milk (I used dark chocolate almond milk)

1. Prepare the brownies according to the directions for "cakelike brownies" (usually this means adding an extra egg). Allow brownies to cool.
2. Combine cream cheese frosting and strawberries in a food processor. Mix until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, break apart and crumble the brownies (I use my hands). Add the frosting puree and mix until smooth (for this part I use a mix 'n chop). This is the filling of your bonbons.
5. Using a tablespoon or scoop, form the filling into balls. Layer the balls in a freezer safe container, separating layers with waxed paper. Place the container in the freezer for 2 hours or until the balls are firm.
6. Over a double boiler, heat chocolate chips, butter, and milk - stirring constantly - until chips are completely melted. (Alternately, use a microwave save dish and heat at 20 second intervals, stopping to stir at each interval, until melted.)
7. Using a spoon, dip the frozen filling balls into the melted chocolate and turn them to coat on all sides. Place the balls on waxed paper.
8. After the chocolate has cooled, place the bonbons back into the freezer safe container, separating with waxed paper as before. Return bonbons to the freezer. Remove from the freezer 1 hour before serving.
9. Yields 44, 4 point servings

Now back to thinking about what to make for Simon and his tiny cronies.