Christmas Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods Food

CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZEL RODS RECIPE

Steps:

• Line two large baking sheets with wax or parchment paper.
• Set up your workstation with all the sprinkles you are going to use. Place about 1/2 cup of colored melting candy (for the drizzle) in heavy-duty zip-top bags.
• Microwave 2 cups of chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in a tall glass for 45 seconds. Stir. The morsels may retain some of their original shapes. If necessary, microwave for additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted.
• Dip the pretzel rods into melted chocolate, tilting the glass to easily cover as much of the pretzel as you want. Use the side and rim of the glass to remove excess. Place on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with sprinkles.
• Or microwave the candy melts in the zip-top bags for about 20-25 seconds, squish the candy around until melted and smooth. Cut a tiny cut corner from each of the bags and drizzle.
• Let set up. Store in an air-tight container.

CHRISTMAS PRETZEL RODS RECIPE

Steps:

• Melt the candy coating according to package directions giving special care not to overheat the candy. If the candy coating is overheated, it will be too thick. You can add 2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening to help thin the candy but do not add any other type of liquid as the candy will seize and harden.
• Pour candy coating over two-thirds of the pretzel rod and shake gently to remove excess. If applying sprinkles, do so immediately rotating the pretzel rods to coat all sides. Larger sprinkles work best if placed individually.
• Place pretzel rod on waxed paper or cooling rack. (Cook's notes: Waxed paper makes for easier release.)
• If drizzling with additional colored candy melts, allow the initial candy coating to set completely. Then, use a spoon or fork to drizzle candy coating over the pretzel rods. Before the pretzel sets, gently pick it up and move to clean wax paper.
• Let pretzel rods dry completely before packaging or serving.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing in the refrigerator may cause the pretzel to soften.

GOURMET CHOCOLATE DIPPED PRETZEL RODS

Steps:

• Melt milk chocolate chips in double boiler or in microwave (be careful not to burn in the micro).
• If you are using the white chocolate, wait until later before melting unless you can keep it over warm water.
• Dip each pretzel rod about 2/3 of the way up in chocolate.
• Lay on wax paper lined baking sheets, lining up the rods but leave a bit of space between them.
• Allow to set a little, but not completely dry (while waiting, make sure your white chocolate is ready).
• Dip a fork into the white chocolate and drizzle over the milk chocolate by gently swishing the fork back and forth over the rods but not touching them.
• Place your sprinkles or candies on a paper plate and roll each pretzel rod in desired topping (or just sprinkle on).
• Lay back on wax paper to set completely.
• These look great displayed in, or given in, a unique glass or mug.

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED PRETZEL RODS

Steps:

• Place almonds in a shallow dish. In a large glass measuring cup, microwave caramels and water on high until caramels are melted, stirring every minute., Dip three-fourths of each pretzel into caramel, allowing excess to drip off. (Reheat caramel in microwave if mixture becomes too thick for dipping.) Roll in almonds. Place on waxed paper until set. , In a microwave, melt white baking chips; stir until smooth. Dip half of the caramel-coated pretzels in white baking chips, allowing excess to drip off. Add sprinkles if desired; return to waxed paper to set. Repeat with chocolate chips and remaining pretzels., Store in airtight containers or wrap in cellophane gift bags and tie with ribbon.