atomic ant pops
With only three ingredients, this recipe is an easy make ahead party item that will transform your kitchen into a mad science lab. Pink peppercorn “electrons” whirl around the “radioactive” white chocolate orbits. Formic acid from sprinkles of black ants adds a citrusy punch and a layer of trickery to balance the sweetness of this treat. Only a mad scientist would be willing to combine these elements together to create new combinations of flavor.
Does the thought of eating bugs make you squirm? Cultures worldwide eat insects and arthropods all the time, and you have too even if you didn’t know it. (The FDA allows for up to 400 insect parts per 50 grams of cinnamon, for example. So your jar of ground cinnamon probably has insect fragments, and it’s completely safe.) When you taste these black ants, you’ll likely agree that the kick of tangy flavor is worth a little adventure. If you’re allergic to shellfish, insects are in the same group of animals called arthropods. Consume with caution.
Ingredient List
12 ounce package neon green candy melts
Pink peppercorns
Food grade black ants
Materials List
Lollipop sticks
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Baking sheet
Double boiler (stainless steel bowl and saucepan)
Piping bag
Yield: Around 12 atomic ant pops
Start by covering a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat and line up the lollipop sticks.
Place the candy melts in a double boiler (or a stainless steel bowl over a saucepan of simmering water). Stir frequently until almost completely melted. Remove from heat and continue stirring until completely smooth; the mixture should be shiny.
Troubleshooting: If the candy mix becomes thick and clumpy, possible culprits are overheating or water getting into the mix. You can try to salvage it by adding shortening.
Fold over the end of piping bag and spoon the candy into the bag.
Caution: The mix is just coming off the heat, and you may wish to protect your hand with a glove or towel.
Cut a 1/4 inch opening in the tip of the piping bag.
Note: It’s better to make the cut too small than too large. You can always cut more away.
Start by piping a 1 inch line of candy onto the lollipop stick. This base holds the entire shape onto the stick more securely and keeps the stick from rolling around on the tray while working.
For the orbit shape, pipe a swirl that is around 3 inches in diameter starting in the middle and working outward.
Helpful hint: Pipe the entire shape in a single motion to create one solid lollipop that sticks together.
Once the swirl is piped, cut back across on a diagonal making 2-3 oval shapes to simulate the electron orbits.
Word of encouragement: These are meant to look messy so don’t worry if you’re not a piping pro. This is mad science work, not art.
Before the candy dries, gently press a few pink peppercorns into it and sprinkle with black ants.
Helpful hint: Go easy on the toppings; they are strong flavors. Avoid subbing in other types of peppercorns. Not only does the pink provide a nice color contrast, but it also offers a more fruity, less spicy flavor since they aren’t really related to peppercorns at all.
Allow the pops to dry in a cool place then remove from the baking sheets.
Happy snacking, Dr. Frankenstein.
