How much you need of anything depends on how many you’re planning to make. Once you decide that, buy as many marshmallows and lollipop sticks as needed. (Depending on the store, you can find the lollipop sticks either in the baking aisle or in the crafts department.) Count on about half a peppermint per pop. It took about eight ounces of candy coating for two dozen pops. I used a mix of white marshmallows and pink strawberry-flavored marshmallows. I had chocolate candy coating onhand, but you could also use vanilla. (FYI, I like CandiQuik.)

Place a sheet of waxed paper down. Poke one lollipop stick into each marshmallow and set aside. Crush the peppermints. Melt the candy coating and dip each marshmallow in it, covering it about a third to halfway up. Let the excess drip off. Using a spoon or just your fingers, scoop up some of the crushed peppermints and, while turning the candy-coated marshmallow, sprinkle the peppermints all around it. Place each finished pop on the waxed paper. It will only take a few minutes for the candy to set.

Transfer the pops to a clean tray. Store in a covered container. To tuck individual pops into gift baskets, wrap small pieces of plastic wrap around the tops and tie with ribbon or twine.