chocolate & peppermint marshmallow pops

Thought I'd share a little gift idea that is still appropriate to this cold and wintry season. I made these chocolate dipped marshmallows this Christmas which made for easy, cute, and cheap gifts for friends and neighbors. I don't know if it's just me, but put a sweet treat on a stick and somehow you've made it all the more fun. They would be great for Valentine's Day too!

Things you'll need:
*wooden skewers
*large marshmallows
*chocolate chips
*half&half
*peppermint candies (candy canes were perfect!)
*wax paper
*cellophane bags & cute ribbon

How its done:
*Crush the peppermint candies in a ziplock bag using a meat pounder or hammer. Then transfer to a plate.
*Melt chocolate. My favorite melted chocolate recipe: heat about an inch of half&half in a small saucepan until little bubbles form (not boiling); remove from heat and add chocolate chips. Allow chocolate chips to melt down for about 1-2 minutes and then stir with whisk. If it is too thin, add more chocolate, if it's too thick add more cream (note: be sure that if you add more cream it is heated in the microwave slightly so it doesn't cause the chocolate to harden). So easy and it works every time for me and I never have to worry about the hassle of a double boiler!!
*Cut skewers to preferred length and pop a large marshmallow on the end and lay out prepared marshmallows on the wax paper.
*Fully submerge marshmallow in the chocolately goodness, roll in peppermint candies, and carefully lay on wax paper. Allow chocolate to dry completely before pulling up the candies.
*Wrap in cellophane bags and tie with a cute ribbon.

Dunk one into a cup of coffee or an americano and it tastes just like a mocha!

I served them as party favors for our Annual Christmas Tea Party & they were a hit =)