Cake Pops, By Mama S.

Lucy has her preschool Valentines Day Party tomorrow. All the parents were asked to bring in valentines to share with all the kids. So, there I sat. thinking about what I was going to make for my little Lucy to share with all of her friends. Then it hit me. I will make cake pops. I gathered all of my supplies and off baking I went. Hudson was napping. Garth was with Lucy at the Y. Kane was doing homework. I had a quiet kitchen and time to kill. Before I knew it. I was a cake pop baking fool.

Now this was my first attempt at making these delicious, adorable treats. But, I am a smart cookie (no baking pun intended). How hard could it be?

So follow along. As I show you, step by step, how to make Cake Pops, by Mama S.

Step One.
Pre heat your oven to 350 degrees. Look through all the toy boxes, underneath all the couches, and in the tub (don't ask) for your favorite baking whisk. Oh wait. That is probably just me. Thanks Hudson. For everyone else, prepare your favorite vanilla cake. Stir in 1/2-1 cup multi-colored sprinkles.

As you can see, I never found my whisk. As evidenced by the spoon in the cake batter. I guess I could have looked in the car, but oh well. Moving on.

Step Two.
Pour cake batter into your cake pop pan. I bought mine at Target for about $19. A little over priced. But, it did the trick. You can google different ways to make these treats. But, you are reading my blog. This is my way.

Step Three.
Place top of cake pop pan on top of bottom pan. Secure with clips, provided. Place cake pops in oven and bake for about 22-25 minutes.

Step Four.
If cake batter bakes through holes in pan, dont worry. It happens. You can clean it up later.

Step Five.
Let cake pops and pan cool, completley. Scrape off all batter that baked through the tops. They fall off easily. Like little mushroom caps.

Step Six.
This step is optional. And I suggest not doing it. You will see why later.
With left over batter, make cupcakes for your kids to enjoy.

Step Seven.
While cake pops are cooling. Take melting candy and place in bowl. Melt in microwave, 30 second increments, until smooth.
Step Eight.
Dip lollipop sticks in melted candy. Then press sticks into cake pops. Place cake pop upside down on plate and place all pops in the fridge for 10 minutes. This helps the stick stay in the cake pop.

Step Nine.
After ten minutes. Take cake pops out of fridge and get ready to dip your pops. (optional) Invite your 13 year old to have a soda and tell you about his day. You know, to keep you company while you are a baking fool.

Make sure your melting candy is melted. If not, put it back in microwave again. When ready. Take each pop, individually, and dip in candy coating. Sprinkle with toppings as you like. Lucy put in a request for sprinkles. Easy enough.

Step Ten.
Let all pops cool and harden. Wrap each pop with plastic wrap and curly ribbon. If you are making Valentines, don't forget your card. Lucy picked out Princess Valentines. Surprised?

There you have it. A ten step program to making treats everyone can enjoy.

Now, remember, back at step six? Well. Every school party for Lucy has been for 16 kids. The kids in her class. For Halloween, I made 16 pumpkin brownies. For Christmas, I made 16 Rudolph cookies. For Valentines day, tonight, I made 16 cake pops.

My 16 cake pop Valentines.

When I finished making these cake pops, I sat down to relish in my baking glory and enjoy a glass of wine. That is when Garth looked at the Preschool calendar and asked,
"How many valentines were you supposed to make?"
After sipping my wine and flopping on the couch, I said "16."
"You sure? I thought I saw a sign at school that was reminding parents to bring in 36 valentines." He said, with obvious concern behind his voice.
"What? You sat here and watched me make and wrap 16 fucking Valentines. All this time, knowing that I needed 36? Since when do we need 36 treats? Lucy has always had 16 kids in her class." I screamed, nearly dropping my glass of wine. Near stroking, I ran to the calendar.

Sure as shit. It reads as follows:

Reminder to Parents- February 10th is the Valentines Party. Please bring in 36 Valentines with "from" only.

Silent with anger. I look, stare, glare at Garth. All he can do is laugh.

Near tears, I say, "What am I going to do now? It is 8pm. I don't even have 36 Valentine cards. The box only has 32. They must be like the fucking hot dog bun company. Screwing Americans by making less then we all need. There by, making us all buy more of a product we (don't) need. So, I have to go buy a box of 32 more cards. Leaving me with 28 extra. Perfect. Fucking. Perfect. This is shaping up to be the worst. night. ever."

Garth, scared, asks, "why don't you just make more cake pops?"

"Why? Why? Because I made cupcakes with the left over batter! That's why!" I yell. "I have to start over, make more cake batter. And. Start. Over."

Just so you all know. I didnt make 20 more cake pops. I rummaged my pantry and made rice crispy treats instead. As for the valentine card dilemma. I haven't worked that detail out just yet. I am too busy drowning my frustration in a bottle of red wine. Perfect.