Every year my friends and I get together for a holiday dessert exchange. But, if I'm going to be entirely honest, it's really a baking war of gladiatorial standards!

This is the day the pink oven mitts come off...

Much like Bravo's Top Chef, we plan, we plot, and we bake our tushies off! Then we introduce our desserts, and do our best to sway the 'judges' in our favor by eliciting sympathy for all the time we slaved away. At least that's usually how it goes, but Michael and I are living in a hotel (not ideal for the holidays but we make do) until we find a new apartment in NorCal. So we are ovenless! But I must admit I like this free coffee and room cleaning business, but I digress...

Enter, marshmallow and chocolate. 

This was the quickest, most delicious DIY gift ever! There was no baking involved, and I got all my supplies from my local dollar and craft store. Moreover, we had a last minute guest and these were so quick to make that I banged out another batch in no time. 

No one shall leave marshmallowless!

Supplies: Marshmallows, cookies sticks, peppermint chocolate candy melts, edible star sprinkles, white and gold washi tape, cookie gift bag and red bow

I wrapped the decorative tape around the cookie sticks (some closer than others to give a different look). Then I stuck a marshmallow to the end of each stick. 

I placed about a cup of candy melts in a microwavable bowl, and microwaved it for 3 minutes.

Don't let it get too runny or it won't stick well to the marshmallow.

Then I covered the top of the marshmallow with chocolate.  

Next I sprinkled the cutest gold stars I could possibly find atop the chocolate. 

In order to let the chocolate dry, I placed some rice in a plastic container and stuck the pops right into them to keep them from falling over. I let them cool near a window so they only took about 10 minutes to dry.

Lastly, I carefully placed 6 chocolate marshmallow pops in a presentable gift bag and topped it off with a festive, red bow! 

Come on, how simple, dimple is that?!!!

Happy Holidays! 

Made with love for chocolate, 

Enid