Zip-loc Bag Chocolate Lollipops

 

If you are looking for a great Valentine's Day activity to do you with your kiddos that is fun, easy, and incorporates healthy ingredients, look no further, these zip-loc bag chocolate lollipops are your solution. 

I wanted to come up with something that I could, in good conscience, give my kiddo and any other kiddo too.  I also wanted to make something that was easy, required few gadgets and is fun to do make. 

What you need...

1. 1 bag of chocolate-I used Ghirardelli’s 60% cacao, but use whatever you and your family like

2. 1 zip-loc quart or gallon bag

3. Toppings of your choice....

To make these lollipops a bit "healthier", I avoid things like sprinkles that are full of artificial colors and void of any and all nutrition.  What I've noticed is that kids just want to sprinkle something, they will use whatever you've set out.  

My toppings of choice...

-Crushed raw almonds, more nutritious than their roasted counterparts, for nutrition info click here
-Crushed raw pumpkin seeds, for nutrition info click here
-Ground dried fruits such as cranberries, as seen in above photo
-Dried Orange Zest (zest of one orange, baked in 175 degree oven until dry)

But seriously, use what you have that you and your family like to top your chocolate.  Any nut, dried fruit, raw sugar would work.

What you do...
1. First, prepare your cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray with a light coat of cooking spray.  Wipe the spray across the foil with a napkin or paper towel.
2. Then, place all your toppings and lollipop sticks in small bowls or ramekins...so they are ready for tiny hands.
3. Next, using a double boiler or a sauce pan with a glass bowl, melt your chocolate to a smooth, not runny, consistency.

 

4. Spoon chocolate into your zip-loc bag....cut a very tiny piece off a corner of the bag so that you have to squeeze to get the chocolate to come out.

At this point, you have a couple of options.  If your kiddos are big, they can squeeze heart shapes and circles onto the foil.  If your kiddos are small, you can squeeze the shapes and they can place the lollipop sticks and sprinkle the toppings.

Making the shapes-First, make the heart outline.  Then, "color" in the lines with your chocolate.  Place your lollipop stick at the bottom and be sure to layer a little extra chocolate around the stick to add extra strength to the base.

5. Sprinkle your toppings.
6. Place in the refrigerator or freezer until the chocolate is firm.
7. Enjoy a tasty treat!!!