Fizzy Stars, Firecrackers and a "Bake it Pretty" Giveaway!

I'm squeezing this July 4th post in at the last minute!  I wasn't planning another holiday entry this week but I ran across this article and interview with "Bake it Pretty" creator and shop owner Amanda Krueger.  I love the simplicity of this idea, not to mention the novelty and fizzy sensation you get while enjoying one of these.  What's the magic ingredient?  Pop-Rocks of course!

Have you heard of this idea yet?  The Voltaggio brothers (of Top Chef fame and Volt restaurant) have been treating diners to chocolate fizzy lollipops as an end-of-the-meal surprise. Even Godiva had a short-lived line of "Pop" chocolates.  Sure, it's probably a fad and some would say gimmicky, but I think it's a lot of FUN, and kids will love it!  (Big kids like me too!)

You'll need very few ingredients/supplies.

• Candy melts or chocolate
• Pop Rocks candy
• Plastic lollipop mold
• Lollipop sticks
• Sprinkles (optional)

I wanted to make something that went along with the July 4th holiday, and the barber shop stripe on this mold reminded me of roman candles or firecrackers.

Using a small artist's brush, I painted on stripes with melted red candy wafers.

Pour a few Pop Rocks in each mold cavity and then fill with melted chocolate or melted candy wafers.  Once the candy has been poured into the molds, (you may hear a pop or two as you pour, but don't fret - that is normal) stir the candy around with the end of a lolly stick and tap the candy mold on the table-top to remove any air bubbles.  Add a sucker stick and let the candy set.  Unmold and enjoy!

Note:  The wick on the firecracker is a piece of Twizzler's grape licorice with a star sprinkle on top 

(both adhered with a little more melted candy).

And now for the Giveaway!

 I am in LOVE with the Bake it Pretty online shop.  I go there for inspiration.  I go there for gnome shaped cookie cutters and stripey soda shop straws (say that three times fast!).  I equally love the kitschy and nostalgic cupcake toppers.   I even love the name of the shop because I love to bake things- pretty. 

I'm giving away a $50 gift certificate to one lucky SprinkleBakes follower!  

Here's how to enter:

• Become a follower (or if you are already a follower) on my site, leave me a comment telling me one thing you'd love to have from the Bake it Pretty shop.  

• For an additional entry, stop by my newly created Facebook page and "Like" SprinkleBakes.  Return here and leave an additional comment saying that you "Like" SprinkleBakes.

• If you don't have a blog, please be sure to leave your email address in your comment(s).

The contest will be open from 7/5 to 7/12.  The winner will be announced Tuesday July 13th.  Best of luck!

This giveaway is closed!  Thanks to everyone who entered!