Monday, December 9, 2013

Reindeer Banana Pops


 Reindeer Banana Pops

I am not sure what it is, but I do love making novelty treats at Christmas time.  They usually involve lots of lollies, which you know I detest.  However, they are most useful when you need a shiny nose or a beady eye.


These can be made with marshmallows, but I prefer to cut bananas to a similar size and use them in the centre, in an attempt counter all the junk kids seem to get almost hourly, at this time of year.


I think it's funny how they all look a little different and have their own personality. My mum thinks they look grumpy. To me this reindeer looks quite sly. I like to think of him as one of the naughty ones, who bullied Rudolph.  Lets just say, we ate him first.



Speaking of personality, this kid has heaps of it.  She likes to be completely immersed in what ever is going on and will not rest, until she is front and centre.  She uses her initiative to the point of driving me crazy, but I wasn't complaining, when I walked in to the kitchen after our 'reindeer session' was over and found her cleaning out the inside of the microwave oven, as only a 5 year old can.

Breaking Up Chocolate is Hard to do
Actually is there anything better than a morning in the kitchen with a willing 5 year old?  There probably is, but as I write, I cannot think of a more enjoyable way to spend a few hours.......That's as long as you are OK with a bit of chaos of course.


We also put together the Aldi Ginger Bread House, which appears to be becoming an annual tradition.  The Beach House Brat has waited patiently for about 6 week for this day to arrive, God love her.  I have to say I love piping and went a little crazy with this.  I find the IKEA piping bag is great to use and easy to wash out, if you are looking to take up this most therapeutic of occupations.

Amazing how the snow missed the window sill isn't it?
Now, if you are going to make these reindeer pops, you should know that gravity will be your worst enemy.  The solution, as it is for many of the world's problems, is patience.  That is, waiting about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the weather, until the chocolate becomes tacky, so that the lollies and pretzels don't slide off.


So here's the 'how to':

Cut firm bananas to size and insert cake pop sticks into the centre of each piece.


Melt cooking chocolate (about 100g for 12 pops) according to the directions on the packet.  Stir in one teaspoon of vegetable oil to make it glossy and easier to work with.

Hold the banana pop over the chocolate bowl and drizzle the chocolate over.  Dipping will cause the banana to fall off the stick.  If you do need to get better coverage in a particular spot, take a spoonful of the chocolate and bring it up the banana and then dip.

Hold the pop over the bowl for 20 seconds or so, to allow drips to fall off.

You can see here the chocolate was not quite dry enough on the pop over the back.
Stand in a cake pop stand or a styrofoam box to dry.  

Once the chocolate becomes tacky (about 15-20 minutes depending on your climate)  Attach pretzels for the antlers.  I used Parkers Pretzels and red and white Tic Tacs for the eyes and nose.  


The black centre of the eye, is Queens icing writing.


Wipe off any drips on the cake pop sticks and tie a bow around the 
 pop for decoration.

These need to be eaten on the day they are made. Particularly if you are in the warmer climes.


And hashtag your shots or twitter posts with #BringAPlate so we can all see what you are eating this Christmas.  If you do it over on twitter, or post them to my facebook, I would love to share them.


For more Christmas recipe inspiration go here.
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9 comments :

  1. great idea to use bananas instead of marshmallows!

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  2. These are so adorable!!! would like to invite you to come by and share them at One More Time Events…. Hope to see you there! Tammy http://www.onemoretimeevents.com/2013/12/gold-and-silver-metallic-starburst-and.html

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  3. These are so cute and I adore you little helper, how precious and fun. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  4. Such a great idea and I love your little helpers face :) xx

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  5. These look so funny... 'tis the season for eating far too manly lollies... oh dear... am restraining myself and NOT making the white chocolate rocky road... these are very cute.

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  6. Great idea for a fun and semi-healthy treat!

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  7. Cute eatables. I am having a little mother's group get together next week, will have to add these to my menu. Thanks!

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  8. Fun idea for my husband he's mad about bananas

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