DIY PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE POPS
IT'S DECEMBER!!!!!!! You all know what that means and if you don't, it means that the holidays are just around the corner! But alas, that also means it's time to buy TONS of gifts. We know that can be quite a wallet-emptier (I mean come on there are just way too many sales to pass up), but do not fret because we have a few tricks up our ugly holiday sweaters. ;) It can be hard to go running around to all the stores in search of the perfect gifts for everyone on your list that are very personal but also not too expensive. Well, with these little hot chocolate pops I think we can cover both of those areas. This DIY is perfect for those people (you know who we're talking about) that you seriously have NO idea what to get. I mean who doesn't love hot chocolate and personalized initial mugs (weirdos), right? As a quick reference, I grabbed my mug at Anthropologie. So let's get started we've got a busy season ahead of us!!
Gather all of your ingredients. In this photo I have some caramel back there that I actually didn't end up using but is totally still an option for those of you who prefer caramel to peppermint. All you would need to do is cover the chocolate with caramel instead of peppermint (you'll see in a second). :)
Start by melting your chocolate in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir it around after it's done and then continue to heat it for 30 second intervals until it is completely melted.
Pour your melted chocolate into the ice cube trays leaving about a half inch of space for the rest of the chocolate and the peppermint pieces (or caramel). Place the trays in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
After the trays have been in the freezer, take them out and melt the rest of the chocolate. Pour the newly melted chocolate on top of the partially frozen chocolate and then sprinkle them with the peppermint pieces (or drizzle the caramel). Then place the lollipop sticks into each pop.
Freeze the pops for 45 more minutes to an hour. Once they seem completely solid, take a knife and cut around the sides of each of the molds to loosen the pops. At this point you should be able to pull it out pretty easily. If not, try to push it out from under (using a silicone ice cube mold is best in this case).
Now on to presentation!! I used cellophane bags, green and red ribbon, mini marshmallows, and some extra peppermint pieces. Wouldn't you just love receiving one of those??
What's an edible gift DIY without a taste test? Just heat up some milk and stir around your hot chocolate pop until it melts completely. As a garnish, marshmallows and peppermint pieces are ideal. Oh, and it tasted amazing if you were wondering. ;)
Now this is what dreams are made of. Let's get to that recipe you've all been waiting for.
Ingredients:
2 bags of milk chocolate chips (plus a 1/2 cup extra for the second round of chocolate pouring)
Crushed peppermint pieces
Caramel (if you decide to make those types of pops)
Mini marshmallows
A bag of lollipop sticks
2 ice cube trays (silicone is best)
Directions:
1) Begin by melting the two bags of milk chocolate in a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup for one minute. Stir it around and continue to microwave in 30 second intervals until it is completely melted.
2) Pour your melted chocolate into the ice cube containers leaving about a 1/2 inch of space for the rest of the chocolate and peppermint pieces. Freeze the trays for 15-20 minutes.
3) After they have been in the freezer take them out and melt the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate. Pour the rest of the chocolate onto the partially frozen pops and sprinkle the peppermint pieces on top. Then, place a lollipop stick into each of the pops.
4) Freeze them for 45 minutes to an hour more or until they are completely frozen solid. Take them out of the freezer and cut around the edges of each pop and then pull them out of each mold.
5) In terms of presentation, place each pop into a cellophane bag with a handful of marshmallows and some peppermint pieces (about 1 1/12 tablespoons). Finish them off with some pretty festive ribbon tied in a cute little bow. ;)
6) For serving, boil 1 1/2 cups of any kind of milk and pour it into a mug. Stir in your chocolate pop and in no time you'll have the best cup of peppermint hot chocolate you've ever tasted! Finish it off with some marsmallows and peppermint pieces to make it extra special. ;)
This recipe makes 25 pops.
Have fun making these super simple but very delicious holiday gifts that are sure to be crowd-pleasers. Remember the initial mug, that makes the present extra personal and special!!
xoxo,
Emma