marshmallow cupcake-on-a-stick tutorial

food on a stick.

this is comes very naturally for me, given i grew up in the great state of iowa, home to the iowa state fair, known for [insert food item here]-on-a-stick (deep-fried, if you're lucky)! some of the interesting ones lately:

1. deep-fried pickle on-a-stick
2. deep-fried twinkie on-a-stick
3. deep-fried snickers candy bar on-a-stick
4. tiramisu on-a-stick
5. salad on-a-stick
6. pork chop on-a-stick, etc.

so, why not a faux cupcake on-a-stick???  these are sweet to look at and sweet to eat (and lots of fun to make)!  perfect for a cupcake-themed party!

what you'll need:

• marshmallows, white and/or pink.  we used one 10 ounce bag of each which yielded about 80 cupcakes-on-a-stick.
• almond bark (vanilla and chocolate).  we used 1/2 a package of each.
• lollipop sticks.  we used the 8" sticks.  got a pack of 100 at michael's (with my 40% off coupon, of course).
• multi-colored jimmies (sprinkles), nonpareils, or other small decorations
• small candy to use for the topper (mini m&m's would work well).  i found easter sixlets that worked perfectly!
• piece of styrofoam to hold sticks upright while cooling.

enough of the prep...let's get to the fun!

step 1:

put marshmallows on your sticks.  make them as straight as you can.  i pushed mine about 90% through. 

you could stop here...this is cute as is!

step 2:

melt almond bark.  before you open the package, tap on the edge of counter to break it into smaller pieces.  it'll melt more evenly.  put about half of the package into a microwave-safe container.  a glass measuring cup worked well.  it's not as shallow (for dipping) and had a handle for gripping your hot bark.  make sure your spoon is completely dry.  moisture will cause your bark to clump or separate. i micro'd on 70% power for 30 seconds at a time until smooth.  don't over heat!

step 3:

the fun part!  dip your marshmallows.  dip about 1/3 to 1/2 of the marshmallow into the bark.  while holding in container, spin gently to remove excess bark, then spin as you turn right-side-up (not necessary, but makes a cute twist on top!) 

ready to take the plunge!

post-dip, letting excess drip away

the twist!

step 4: 

decorate!  sprinkle your decoration of choice.  add the pretty candy (sixlet or m&m) to the center.

i love this action shot!

the fallen soldiers

step 5:
poke sticks into your styrofoam to cool.  and take some pics of them all lined up and pretty!

optional step 6:
place in treat bag and tie up with coordinating ribbon.  so sweet!