Family, Friends, and Food

Well, it's the day after Christmas and I'm in serious recovery mode. The past few days have been a whirlwind! It was another great year for family, friends and food!

Oh and did I forget to mention that I got ENGAGED?!? I am the happiest girl in the world and cannot think of a better and more loving family to be a part of. We are super excited and I'll be sure to keep you updated on the wedding plans! 

Until then check out my Christmas Cake Pops...

Funfetti cake with cream cheese frosting.

I've been requested to make some for New Year's, so stay tuned...
I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday full of love, cheer, family, and...dessert! :)

Funfetti Cake Pops 

Ingredients:

• 1 box funfetti cake mix (cook as directed on the box)
• 1 cup cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
• 1 package vanilla almond bark or candy melts
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
• lollipop sticks and wrappers (you can find these at Michael's)
• Rectangular foam block 

Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1/2 (4 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2-1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp milk 

1. Bake the cake according to the directions on the box or your recipe. Be sure to let the cake cook completely. While the cake is in the oven begin on the cream cheese frosting. 

2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer. With the mixer on low speed, add the powdered sugar a little at a time until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract and milk until it is a smooth and creamy consistency.

3. Once the cake is completely cool, crumble the cake

4. Stir in the frosting to create a smooth cake mixture. It should look like a huge cake ball.

5. Roll into balls and place on cookie sheet. You should get about 25-30 cake balls. Place them in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

6. Melt the chocolate candy melts in the microwave according to package directions. Add a little shortening at a time until the chocolate is really smooth and silky.

7. Dip stick into melted chocolate and press into cake ball. Return to fridge for 5 minutes. Dip cake balls into chocolate and gently tap to remove any extra. Bakerella posted a great video that has step by step instructions.

8. Add some sprinkles or other decorations while chocolate is still soft. Put them back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to harden. I use the foam to stick the pops into while they are setting.