Groundhog's Day

I love holidays, as you may have noticed. Groundhog's Day is a big deal when you grow up in Pennsylvania. Mr. Punxsatawney Phil lives in that wonderful state! And every year, the mayor of Punxsatawney, PA drags that poor sleeping groundhog out of his burrow to predict how much longer the bitter winter will last. Cross your fingers for an early spring!

What could possibly make this rodent-dedicated holiday any better? Groundhog pops, of course! If you're looking for something even more decadent than these cute little groundhogs, try using them as a cupcake topper! And if you're against candy with preservative-laden ingredient lists, check back soon for a homemade almond joy recipe!

Oh, and not only is Groundhog's Day fun (and a little funny) but it practically belongs to my oldest brother. Happy Birthday, Chip! You're one year more awesome today!

Groundhog Pops [click to print]
Makes about 20 pops


1 bag snack size Almond Joy candy bars, unwrapped (about 20 pieces)
20 lollipop or mini popsicle sticks
20 red or pink dragees
1 bag M&M minis
1 tube black decorator's gel
1-1/2 c. white frosting in piping bag or ziploc baggie with end snipped off
1/2 c. chocolate chips, melted in ziploc baggie with end snipped off

Insert one stick about 2" deep into each candy bar and arrange on wax paper. Squeeze a small triangle of melted chocolate on the upper half of the almond. Place two brown mini M&M's on the corners of the triangle for cheeks. Place a red dragee on the point of the melted chocolate for a nose.

     

Pipe a small white rectangle of frosting under the cheeks for buck teeth. If you want the edges to be sharper, allow to set a few seconds, then shape with a toothpick. Pipe two white eyeballs above the almond. Use a toothpick to dab a small dot of black decorator's gel onto each eyeball.

Squeeze a small blob/triangle on the top corners of each candy for ears. Poke lollipop stick in a stand, or apple, like I used, and allow ears to set in the refrigerator. Repeat with remaining candy bars and experience some Groundhog's Day Joy!

Source: Adapted from Sweetology 101