New Year's Celebration!

the whole gang on New Year's Day

New Year's Eve Dinner @ Chops

Happy New Year!

Devil's Food Cake Pops

Ingredients:

• 1 box devil's food cake mix (cook as directed on the box)
• 1 cup peanut butter 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 

Peanut Butter Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/2-1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 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 peanut butter frosting. 

2. In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter 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, butter, 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.

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