Graduation Diploma Dessert

Ever since I started following party blogs, I’ve started to look at snacks differently.  What used to be just a roll of black licorice, I now see as a checker piece.  Or a bowl of blue jello suddenly becomes a shark tank. (More on that later.)  It has become almost a game to imagine how to transform these every day treats to fit different occasions.

So, when I was thinking about ideas for making a graduation dessert for the little ones to celebrate the end of preschool, Twinkies came to mind.  They have always been a special event snack for me – the one that my mom packed for field trip lunches or to celebrate an exciting moment at school.

It turns out that they are also the right shape to make a diploma.  And with a little added chocolate and licorice, they make a perfect end of the year treat.  This graduation diploma dessert are an easy way to tell your little graduate how proud of him you are.  Make them as a snack, add to a graduation dessert table or package them up individually as little gifts for the class.  No matter how they are served, they’re sure to make your child feel special on his big day.

Estimated Time: Minimum – These are really easy!

You Will Need: (Yields 10 Diplomas)

A box of twinkies (Mr. Mountaineer informed me that these sugary little snacks have gone bankrupt.  If Hostess has not been saved and they do disappear off of store shelves, I’m sure Little Debbie will make a version to replace them.)

1/2 cup of White Chocolate Candy Melts

1/4 cup of Chocolate Chips

5 Licorice Wheels (1 wheel wraps two Twinkies)

What to Do:

1.  Unwrap the Twinkies or similar pastry rolls.  Melt the candy melts in the microwave in 20 second increments. All microwaves melt chocolate in different ways, so the number of seconds will vary.  Remember to stir in between to get a smooth chocolate consistency.

2.  Dip one end of the Twinkie in the chocolate and cover, stopping about an inch up.  If you have trouble dipping the Twinkie, spoon the chocolate on.  Be sure the entire end of the Twinkie is covered.  Repeat with the other side of the Twinkie.

3.  Sprinkle on chocolate chips (use mini chips or chocolate sprinkles if you like a smaller decoration).  Put the Twinkies in the refrigerator or freezer for five minutes or until the chocolate hardens.

4.  Roll out a piece of the licorice wheel. Carefully, tie it around the middle of the Twinkie.  Break off the excess pieces.

I found that Twinkies dry out quickly in the open air.  If you are not serving your graduation dessert right away, place them in an air tight container for later use.  Or wrap each Twinkie in cellophane bag and give to your child’s friends.

I hope this graduation dessert brightens your little one’s special day!

Happy Celebrating,

Natalie

P.S.  A few days after I made these, I noticed that the remaining box of Twinkies was missing.  I had other projects planned for them and was confused about their whereabouts. Well, the mystery has been solved!  Mr. Mountaineer has been slowly sneaking them to work, hoping that I wouldn’t notice.  He clearly forgot that craft leftovers, especially the edible ones, will be repurposed.  (I need to make a poster of that.)

Linking to this Week:

Ivy Cottage Blog

Bloom Designs

Naptime Delights

The Party Wagon