Help me make chocolate lollipops!

[javaj]

I am going to attempt to make chocolate star wars lollipops for my son's birthday party goody bags. I'm not exactly great in the kitchen (although I can make brownies!) so this is a daunting task for me LOL. I don't know what I was thinking when I said I'd try this. Thank goodness I have a couple of weeks to practice and get this done!

I bought the molds off ebay, they are made of hard clear plastic -- I assume these are re-usable right? And can I make hard candy lollipops with these molds also?

Next -- I need to buy lollipop sticks and plastic to cover the lollipops, right? Hobby Lobby? or where do I get these?

Do I need any other special kitchen stuff?

How far in advance should I make these? How long will it take me to make each batch?

Most important -- what recipe do I use??? I've googled chocolate lollipops and there are several different ones. Anyone have favorites? And does it matter which brand chocolate? And I've read about tempering chocolate (never done this before) -- what is the best way to do this?

Any experts out there, please help!

Thanks and wish me luck!

 

[kdibattista]

I am going to attempt to make chocolate star wars lollipops for my son's birthday party goody bags. I'm not exactly great in the kitchen (although I can make brownies!) so this is a daunting task for me LOL. I don't know what I was thinking when I said I'd try this. Thank goodness I have a couple of weeks to practice and get this done! It's soooooo easy... you have nothing to be worried about

I bought the molds off ebay, they are made of hard clear plastic -- I assume these are re-usable right? Yes
And can I make hard candy lollipops with these molds also? Yes

Next -- I need to buy lollipop sticks and plastic to cover the lollipops, right? Hobby Lobby? or where do I get these? I get everything, including the chocolate, at Michael's Craft Stores

Do I need any other special kitchen stuff? nope

How far in advance should I make these? They harden pretty quickly so the day before is plenty of time

How long will it take me to make each batch? A few minutes to melt the chocolate and about an hour for it to harden (I think that's about right from what I remember)

Most important -- what recipe do I use??? I've googled chocolate lollipops and there are several different ones. Anyone have favorites? And does it matter which brand chocolate? And I've read about tempering chocolate (never done this before) -- what is the best way to do this? I just buy the milk chocolate... you can get different colors and be creative by painting different parts; you can also add fillings but I would just stick to the plain chocolate. Just melt the chocolate in the microwave and pour in the mold.. that's it. No recipe needed

Hope that helps a bit... good luck

ETA: If you mess up, your mistakes are a delicious treat

 

[SillyMe]

I use the chocolate wafers. I melt them in the microwave (stir frequently), pour (or spoon) them into the molds, put the stick into the chocolate. I usually put them in the freezer for a few minutes so they harden quicker, then pop them out of the molds.

Yes, the molds are reusable. I love making candy! Have fun!

 

[ToTLaugher]

I have made them several times. You will be shocked at how easy they are. Go to Michael's or AcMoore for the sticks, melting chocolate and bags (if you want to bag them). They will have milk or dark chocolate melting wafers in a bag. Start with one bag. If you have to make a lot you can always buy more, but one bag goes quite a long way. They will also have different colored wafers that are vanilla flavored, but most kids prefer chocolate.

Follow the directions on the back of the bag for melting the wafers in the microwave. Very easy!

Spoon the melted chocolate into the forms without over-filling. Put the sticks into the slot for them and twirl them around a little - just enough to get them covered in the chocolate. Tap the mold on the counter a few times to get out any air bubbles. Put in the fridge to set up (10 - 15 minutes). Once they are set up they will come out of the mold easily with a tap or two or by twisting like an ice cube tray. Just be gentle to avoid breakage.

Hope I explained it well! Have fun.

 

[javaj]

Thank you, thank you! Especially for the reassurance LOL. I'll have to come back and post pictures of my Jedi lollipops when I get them done.