Candy Cane Heart Valentines--the REAl way to do them!

So...I decided a year ago this is what I was gonna do for the girls' valentines. I bought the candy canes six months ago at Sams when they came out for Christmas. I read numerous blogs and websites about how to do them, and then I set off to work.  I ended up throwing away FIVE trays of them because they just were not working! So...here is the way that I found them to work!

Here is what you need...candy canes, lollipop sticks, chocolate to melt, sprinkles.

Put the candy canes on a greased and old cookie sheet with a lollipop stick in between.  (see pic below) It was my husband's idea to put the stick all the way up to the top and that definitely helped them stick together. Bake them on 275 degrees for 3-4 minutes. I found it was best to do 5 or 6 at a time.

Take them off  one at a time and  slide them onto your cold counter and mold them together in a heart shape around the stick.  Yes, it burns your fingers...but not too bad!  Let them cool and then put them on wax paper.

I bought the already colored red chocolate that comes in little circles.  Melt it and spoon (don't pipe-it doesn't work-trust me) the chocolate into the center of the hearts.  Add sprinkles (this is the part your kids can do).  Let them cool.

Then put into a little clear bag and tie with ribbon.

I am so glad I ended up doing them.  I think they turned out so cute and ended up being easy.  Zeb asked me why I just didn't go to Walmart and buy them valentines in a box.  I blame my parents.  I mean, my dad doesn't just build something, he BUILDS something! And my mom does everything 100%--flowers, parties, holiday meals, wreaths, the list goes on and on... Ha!