Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallow Pops

Holiday baking is fun but it can be very time consuming. I was just introduced to these wonderful treats and was amazed at how pretty they were and yet how remarkably simple to make. These are a perfect treat for those of us who want to create a "wow" presentation but lack the time to do so.

These simple marshmallow pops require just a few ingredients and take just moments to create.

You'll need marshmallows, chocolate (baking or chips) and peppermint pieces (either from a candy cane or store bought) and lollipop sticks.

Directions:

Over a double boiler (you can make yourself by placing a metal mixing bowl over a pot of boiling water) slowly let the chocolate melt. Keep stirring. When chocolate has melted reduce the heat to low.

Insert sticks into marshmallows -This can be done while the chocolate is melting. Carefully dip the marshmallow into the chocolate, wiping off excess with a small spatula or knife. While chocolate is still warm dip the chocolate into the candy cane bits. Place on wax paper, parchment paper and repeat until all the marshmallows have been covered.

Place in the fridge or freezer to help the chocolate harden.

To serve, display on a pretty plate or platter or stick the lollipops into a foam shape (covered if desired) to create a candy topiary.

A Birthday Cake for my Littlest Hero!

Alexander turned 5 on Tuesday. He wanted a red fire truck Birthday cake. Had he not had one for the past 3 Birthdays I would have indulged. But I got bored. And I wanted something easy. Simple. Let's face it. I'm lazy. I even bought a packaged cake mix. The kids prefer it. I made the frosting from scratch though. Nothing beats homemade frosting. Especially when it is peanut butter! And the middle of the cake is filled with melted chocolate and roasted marshmallows. I totally did good this year!

Christopher offered up his army toys so that I could do an army themed cake.
Seriously. This could not have been easier!
My easiest Birthday cake to date!

The middle layers. After the cake was baked 
(per directions on the box)
I "roasted" marshmallows under the broiler for a couple of minutes...

And melted chocolate... think Smores!
My sister in law has an amazing recipe for graham cracker cake.
But remember, I am lazy!

Melt the chocolate so that you have a nice smooth chocolate bar in the middle of your cake...

Put the two pieces together and frost...
(Click here for peanut butter frosting recipe.)

YUM!

Rice Krispie Treats for the Indecisive!

Because I have to mess with everything... because my kitchen is my science lab... because I can never leave well enough alone... because I like to play with my food... because I could not make up my mind today I made the most incredibly amazing Rice Krispie Treats! Do you like marshmallow and peanut butter a la Fluffernutter? Do you like marshmallow and chocolate a la Mallomars? Do you like peanut butter and chocolate a la Reese's? Or do you like them all, like me?!

I promised the kids we'd make Rice Krispie treats. I had a box in the basement. The other day Cocoa Puffs were on sale at Shaw's. Something like 2 bucks a box. I saw the box and I knew exactly what would become of the chocolaty corn puffy cereal things (that my kids are normally not allowed to eat!)

So today as I was melting my butter and marshmallows I kept thinking it needed something more. Some chocolate perhaps! I could drizzle some melted chocolate over the top. But that wasn't what I really wanted. Peanut Butter! Peanut Butter is my bff (best food friend!) and would be the perfect add in to my creation.

I melted and mixed and melted and added and mixed and added and melted some more. And what I had was a treat that my husband declared to be "Dangerous!" I haven't been downstairs for a few minutes. I have no idea what remains of my pan, if anything. They were indeed THAT good!

Ingredients:

4 cups of Rice Krispies
2 Cups (full!) of Cocoa Puffs
approx 1 cup of peanut butter
1 bag of marshmallows
3.5 tbs of butter
2 squares of Baker's semi sweet chocolate, or about 1/4 of a bag of chocolate chips

In a large pot melt butter and add marshmallows. Work the butter and the marshmallows together to blend and melt. This requires some good elbow grease! Add peanut butter and mix well until the butter, peanut butter and marshmallow are one.

Add cereal and mix well.

Place in a well greased brownie pan (I use Pam) and press firmly so that the dessert is even in the pan.

Take chocolate bars (or chips) and melt in microwave for 1 to 2 minutes (at 1 minute intervals) and with a silicone spatula, fork or spoon mix well until the chocolate is completely melted. With your spoon, spatula or fork drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the Rice Krispie treats. If needed, place in freezer for a minute or two so chocolate will harden faster.