Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Everything is better on a stick...

especially humble (dare I say, trashy?) snack foods. Hot dogs are better on a stick, especially when battered and fried. Snickers bars, too. And Twinkies. And everyone knows there is no heaven like a perfectly toasted marshmallow on a stick. But it's not always summer time and we don't all have wood burning stoves. Some of us are currently frozen inside of our homes thanks to several inches of ice, and while a roaring fire would sure be nice, it ain't happening. I can microwave the you-know-what out of some chocolate though, so there is hope for today (hope and Cocoa Brownies with Browned Butter and Walnuts, but we'll get to those later!).

My darling little cousin Owen gets to hand out my Little Monster Valentines to his preschool class next week, so I had to make him something a little special to go with them. No pencils for my buddy! These chocolate coated marshmallow stirrers were just the thing. This is certainly not a recipe, but it is an excellent way to put the snowed in kiddos to work if they are getting cabin fever. Just be careful, you might end up with most of them in your mouth, even if they are meant for stirring into cups of hot cocoa!

Chocolate Marshmallow Cocoa Stirrers

Ingredients:


1 bag of large marshmallows
1 bag of grill skewers or long lollipop sticks
2 cups of chocolate chips or candy melts
Assorted sprinkles
Baker's twine
Plastic treat bags.
Wax paper

Preparation:
Line a baking sheet with wax paper and pour sprinkles into a shallow dish. Stick a marshmallow on all of the skewers.

Pour chocolate into a microwave safe bowl and heat on high for 30 seconds. Stir and continue heating in 30 second intervals until chocolate is just about melted. It will continue to melt as you stir after about 2 minutes of total heat.

Dunk marshmallows into the melted chocolate, turning and tapping to allow excess to drip off. Dun into sprinkles and stand on baking sheet. Continue dipping until they are all coated. If you move slowly, you may need to zap the chocolate for another few seconds in between dips!


Let stand for about an hour before wrapping them in a plastic treat bag and tying with a length of baker's twine.

And there you have it! Cocoa stirrers ready for sliding through your Valentines and passing out at school! You can do these with milk, white, or dark chocolate (coloring white chocolate with red or pink would be very cute!) add some peppermint extract to your chocolate, or add nuts or other candies. My only wish is that I could stir one into a big mug of hot chocolate spiked with Bailey's and topped with fresh whipped cream right now. *sigh* But that kind of behavior is frowned upon :) Soon, baby, soon!

7 comments:

Joanne said...

I totally agree with this stick business. Anything on a stick gives it a very carnival-esque flair and who wouldn't want to be at a carnival? THese are almost like smores to-go. Love it.

Kim of Mo Betta said...

Ok, I may totally be stealing this for my son's preschool class! Thanks for the great (and simple!) idea!

Melinda said...

Just letting you know I am 'following' you. :) Trying to win one of your lovely pieces - referred to you by Honey Bear Lane. ;)

Melinda said...

I didn't know how to leave a comment on your Etsy shop page - but my favorite of your items is the Little Monster Pencil and Pop Valentine set of 25!! I love them!! Hoping I win - over at Honey Bear Lane! Love your Etsy page! You are sooo talented! :)

Rachel said...

just last week I was melting chocolate and dipping my leftover marshmallows in it! Although mine weren't nearly as presentable as yours! I'm sure the kiddos will enjoy those valentines :)

Lisa said...

Wow, you're so creative. These pops look like they'd be a lot of fun to eat and would make a great gift to give someone. I could definitely see myself swirling one of those into my cocoa. I have a sweet treat linky party on my blog every week called "Sweets for a Saturday" and I'd like to invite you to come by this weekend and link your treat up. http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com

Gina Thomas said...

oh my word! i love your blog:) it is filled with delicious goodies which is my total weakness! :)gina
www.hiyaluv.com
ps-i met you in etsy forums today!