S'mores Pops

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I get my recipe inspiration from a lot of places, but one of the main places is Pinterest. There I can find so many creative and inventive ideas, and a lot of times those ideas just stick in my head. So when I'm feeling creative I go to the kitchen and try to replicate what I saw.

That's what happened with these S'mores Pops. I remember seeing something similar, and when I was craving a chocolate dessert I knew they were the thing to make. They're perfect for the Fourth of July since they're simple to make, favored by both adults and kids, and are reminiscent of a favorite childhood treat for all. Enjoy and Happy Fourth of July everyone!

P.S. Don't forget to enter to win a free one-year subscription to Southern Living Magazine!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 honey graham crackers, divided in half
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 8 lollipop sticks
• Sprinkles, for topping (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

On a baking sheet, place 8 of the graham cracker halves. Top each half with as many mini marshmallows that will fit in an even layer.

Place baking sheet in oven and bake for 3-5 minutes or until marshmallows puff and begin to brown.

Remove from oven and stick a lollipop stick in the center of each cracker, making sure the marshmallow secures it into place. Immediately top with the other graham cracker half and press down lightly. Allow to cool completely so the lollipop stick sets.

Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir. Continue heating in 30 second increments, stirring after each interval, until chocolate is completely melted.

Line a separate baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Dip each graham cracker in the melted chocolate, using a spoon to help coat all sides. Transfer the chocolate-dipped graham cracker to the parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Top with sprinkles. Repeat with remaining pops.

Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes or until set. Store in an airtight container.

Source: SK Original

Funfetti Cake Balls

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Cake balls seem to be the rage these days and it's fun coming up with different combinations. The last time I made some, I made Oreo Truffles and they were beyond a huge hit. Since funfetti seems to be a cake flavor everyone loves, I decided to try it in cake ball form at our last BBQ and they did not disappoint. My best friend's birthday was the following week, and instead of making her a cake, she requested more of these. That good!

Oh, and you don't even have to be good at making them either. I mean, seriously...just take a look at my pictures. All weird circle-ish shapes with a few bumpy spots here and there. But this is one time that presentation doesn't matter because people will gobble them up regardless.

Basically all you need to do is grab a cake flavor (homemade or store bought...I won't tattle if it's the latter), cook it, crumble it, add some frosting and then form your balls. Wilton makes chocolates that are easy to melt and perfect for coating and they also come in a variety of flavors and colors. I decided to use them this time around, but if you can't find any you can also use regular chocolate morsels melted over a double boiler with a tablespoon or two of shortening (to loosen it up). Either way, I doubt you will have one person say they aren't a fan. And with all the flavor combination possibilities, I know you'll find something everyone loves. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 package Funfetti Cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 1 package Funfetti frosting
• 2 packages Wilton chocolate melts
• Sprinkles, for topping (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13x9 inch pan with cooking spray. Set aside.

Combine cake mix, eggs, water and oil in a large bowl. Stir for two minutes until well mixed. Spread evenly in greased pan and cook for 32-36 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Once cooled, crumble cooked cake in a large bowl. Add 3/4 of a container of frosting and stir until well combined. If the mixture is not holding together, add more frosting until it sticks.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the cake mixture into small balls and place on the baking sheets. Once all the balls are formed, place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, prepare a double boiler. Heat water in a small saucepan and place a larger Pyrex glass bowl on top. Make sure the bowl is not touching the water. Add chocolate to the bowl and stir until melted. Remove from heat and continue stirring.

Remove cake balls from the refrigerator, one sheet at a time. Drop the balls into the chocolate one at a time. Using a fork, gently toss the ball around until it is fully coated. Pick up the ball so it is resting on the fork, and gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to remove the excess chocolate. Using a toothpick, gently slide the ball back onto the parchment paper to cool. Immediately top with sprinkles, if using.

Place the finished balls back in the refrigerator to harden. Store in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Source: SK Original

Oreo Truffles

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Today is my second post for the Secret Recipe Club! I was given Erin's blog over at A Tale of One Foodie's Culinary Adventures and I had a great time going through her recipes! She is very adventurous in the kitchen and there were many recipes I was tempted to make. Since I've been meaning to try making my own cake balls ever since the craze started a year or two ago, I knew this had to be my chosen recipe. Especially since they are so cute for Christmas!

I love the mixture of oreo and cream cheese and really enjoyed how dense and rich the cake is. I think these are perfect because you don't have to be tempted with a large slice of chocolate cake sitting right in front of you. If you're like me and have trouble exhibiting self control when sweets are around, these miniature cake balls are a perfect portion size to help you do that. One (or two) little bites and your craving is curbed and you are left feeling satisfied. Enjoy!

Also, don't forget to enter to win my giveaway. You have until tomorrow!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. cream cheese, softened
• 1 pkg. oreo cookies
• 16 oz. semi sweet chocolate
• Extra oreo crumbs or sprinkles

Using a food processor, add the whole package of oreos and whirl until you have coarse crumbs. Toss in the cream cheese and whirl until just combined.

Shape into 48 1-inch balls. Put the balls into the fridge for about 1/2 an hour to firm up (you don't have to do this, but it makes dipping them a lot easier and they will come out looking nicer).

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Do this by boiling water in a small saucepan and placing a Pyrex bowl over top of the saucepan so it fits tightly. Add the chocolate into the glass bowl and stir until melted.

Dip the balls in the chocolate and, using two forks, toss to coat. Place on a waxed paper covered baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining oreo crumbs or sprinkles. Chill 1 hour or until firm. Store in tightly covered container in the fridge.

Source: A Tale of One Foodie's Culinary Adventures