Making Life Whimsical: That's a Wrap!

So my kids' school now requires us to only bring "store bought" treats to the class parties.

Ok really...

We all had mom's homemade cupcakes at our class parties growing up...

we all turned out ok, right?

....crickets.....

Maybe you are ok. I am a true work in progress.

Anyway, with this new rule, I'm always trying to circumvent the system. I'm not going to give up the fun part of seeing the kids' faces light up when something comes in that they haven't seen before.

I found this great idea on Pinterest from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen

and thought...Genius.

"Store bought", BUT, with a creative twist. After approval from said teacher, I was good to go.

So here is an easy way to take something that is "store bought" and turn it into something whimsical. Cause that's why you're here.

Here's what you need:

Twinkies

(not only are they "store bought" but they have a shelf life to feed your future grandchildren)

White candy making chocolate

(choc chips just won't work and won't harden in the time you need)

Edible Googly Eyes

I have found these at Target in the cake decorating section made by Wilton, and my local cake supply store or Michael's.

White Cookie Sticks

The cookie sticks are long so you will be breaking them in half for the perfect size.

Lollipop sticks work, but don't hold the weight as well, and these mummies are pretty heavy when they're done.

You will also need to get a squeeze bottle from your local cake supply store or hobby store. In a pinch you could use a ziploc bag with the corner cut, but be prepared for a mess!

Unwrap the twinkies and place them on wax paper on a cookie sheet.

I know, they look really good. Try to restrain yourself. It's for the kids.

Ok, maybe you should try just one.

Ready now?

Microwave your chocolate in a bowl that has some depth to it, so you can get

the length of a twinkie in there.

Heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring until you get a nice runny consistency.

Break up all your sticks in half and dip the stick first in the chocolate about an inch and push it into the end of the twinkie in the center.

Now is a very important step.

If you try to just put the stick in and dip these room temperature, disaster happens.

Take my word for it.

They MUST be put in the freezer first.

Once you've placed all the sticks in, put them back on the wax paper and

freeze them for 30 mins.

Now you are ready to dip.

Allow the excess chocolate to come off, and help it along with a spoon to scrape the sides
if you have to.

Don't worry if they don't look perfect.

Your "mummy strips" will hide the imperfections.

Put the dipped twinkies back in the freezer to harden, about 10 minutes.

Now get some of your melted chocolate into your squeeze bottle and run "strips" back and forth. You can't mess this up. Place the googly eyes where you want and lay a strip of chocolate over a part of the eye for a true "mummy" look.