Chocolate Lollipops With Variations

Total Time: 17 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 2 mins

Ingredients

• 16 ounces very good chocolate, finely chopped (or use semi sweet, milk chocolate, or dark)
• 1/2 cup dried cherries (can use candied orange peel, candied ginger, dried cranberries, apricots, etc.)
• 1/2 cup salted roasted cashews (or try roasted almonds, toasted sesame seeds, walnuts, etc.)

Recipe

• 1 place a sheet of non-stick silicone or parchment paper on a sheet pan.
• 2 place 12 ounces of the chocolate(or other chocolate) in a heat-proof glass bowl and put it in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. (time it with your watch for accuracy.) stir the chocolate with a rubber spatula, return it to the microwave for another 30 seconds, then stir again. continue to heat and stir in 30-second intervals until the chocolate is just melted. immediately stir in the remaining 4 ounces of chocolate and allow it to sit at room temperature, stirring often, until it's completely smooth. (if you need to heat it a little more, place it in the microwave for another 15 seconds.).
• 3 using a tablespoon, pour the melted chocolate in rounds onto the silicone and place lollipop sticks in the middle of each chocolate round, giving the stick a little twist. sprinkle the tops of the lollipops evenly with the cherries and cashews(or other options). set aside to harden. enjoy!