Candy Cane POP ROCKS Mocha Truffles

POP ROCKS !?!...GENIUS

i can't believe i found CANDY CANE POP ROCKS !!!

what a throw back.  yes...they're still out there.  i snatch them up whenever i come across a bag.  although they usually get eaten up before i can try anything with them, the candy cane ones were hidden in an unassuming brown paper bag......just waiting.

they come in all sorts of fun flavors.  there's so many fabulous ideas for them, but these screamed HOLIDAY and i'm obsessed with truffles for the moment.  so i put the two together for...

 an explosive truffle inside and out.

CANDY CANE POP ROCKS MOCHA TRUFFLES

8 oz good dark chocolate
3/4 cup whipping cream
1/2 tsp vanilla paste(or extract)
1/2-3/4 tsp espresso powder
POP ROCKS
tempered dark chocolate for dipping

put chocolate in a glass bowl.
add espresso powder to cream and heat to almost boil.
pour hot cream over chocolate.  let sit for a moment.  add vanilla bean paste/extract and start stirring from the middle until the chocolate and cream come together.  i used a whisk and stirred to completely incorporated.  let come to room temp and give it another stir.  put in the fridge, uncovered.  come back to it in an hour and give it another stir.  now cover it.  let  it completely set for at least a few hours or over night.
when your ready...make into 3/4 inch bails.  USE THIN RUBBER GLOVES.
NOTE...some people suggest you put them in the fridge and dip them when they are cold.  i find that they tend to split or seep out of their chocolate shell after "set"at room temperature...so if possible try to dip room temperature truffles.
this recipe seems to hold it's shape at room temperature and should be fine for dipping.
by the way...ALWAYS WORK IN A COLD ROOM.

dip into "TEMPERED" dark chocolate.
check this post for Tips and Tricks on microwave tempered chocolate.  or go to About.com candy
sprinkle with Pop Rocks before the chocolate sets.  you might need to sprinkle more on before serving because, as you can see in the photos, the rocks melt a bit...that's OKAY...it looks like candy cane lava AND

THEY STILL POP !