Graduation caps aren't very flattering or fashionable, but they are the perfect inspiration for easy marshmallow candy. Simply dip marshmallows in chocolate, top with a chocolate square, and add the finishing touches. This recipe works for standard and jumbo marshmallows, but standard marshmallows tend to have severe irregularities--especially after being crammed on a store shelf.
It isn't a problem unless you want to arrange the candy side-by-side on a tray. Here's a recipe with details for making small candy caps.
Jumbo marshmallows are perfect for making larger caps. They tend to hold their shape better and make an impressive presentation.
Yield: 6 Extra-Large Pops
Ingredients and Special Materials:
14 ounces chocolate candy coating, divided use
6 giant marshmallows
6 candy tassels
6 round candy such as Reese’s Pieces or M&M’S
6 six-inch lollipop sticks
wax or parchment paper
toothpick
Stick a lollipop stick in the center of each marshmallow.
Melt the remaining candy coating. Stir it well and dip each marshmallow one at a time. Allow excess coating to drip off and transfer pops to wax paper to set.
Use a warm, dry knife to cut the candy sheet into 2.5-inch squares. Dab the tops of the marshmallows with melted chocolate and attach the squares.
Use a toothpick to make a thin line of melted chocolate on top of the cap. Stick the tassel in place and hold for a few seconds. If necessary, carefully trim the candy tassel after the chocolate sets.
Apply a small dot of chocolate to the center of the cap and top with a round candy.
Tassel Tips
There are several options for making the decorative tassels, but stiff icing and store-bought candy were the easiest materials to use. For the icing tassel, add icing to a sturdy plastic bag and make a tiny snip in the corner. Begin at the center of the mortar board and pipe a straight line. Allow it to drape over the side and loop back to the starting point. Feel free to add more swags, but be careful not to use too much icing or it will slide off the graduation cap. If that happens, use a toothpick to remove the remaining icing and start over.
Store-bought candy delivers consistent results, but has a strong flavor. Fruit leather, Fruit Roll-Ups, Fruit by the Foot, and Airheads Xtremes belts are easy to use. If using wide candy, cut it into strips about ¾-inch wide and 2.5 inches long. Use a small knife to cut two slits to make it look fringed.
For the Airheads Xtremes belts, separate the rainbow layers into strips about ¼-inch wide. Cut one-third off the strip to create two pieces. Fold the longer pieces around the small strip to make a tassel with three pieces.
Shopping Guide
Use Campfire Giant Roasters or Jumbo Jet-Puffed marshmallows. They are especially easy to find during summer and available at stores such Walmart and Kroger.
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