Melting Hershey Kisses For Dipping Food

PERFECT DIPPING CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Remove the chilled candy from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before coating (dipping cold centers can result in cracked coating).
• Place the chocolate chips and shortening in a 2-cup measuring bowl.
• Place the bowl into a larger bowl which contains very warm water (about100-110F) the water should reach only halfway up the 2-cup bowl with the chocolate (DO NOT LET EVEN 1 DROP WATER MIX WITH CHOCOLATE!).
• Stir mixture constantly with a small spatula until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth (this should take about 16-18 minutes, do not rush the melted process).
• If necessary replace the water with more very warm water.
• remove the 2-cup bowl with melted chocolate from the water and continue to stir until all the chocolate is cooled slightly (about 2-3 minutes).
• Set one candy onto a two-pronged fork, then completely dip candy into melted chocolate.
• Gently tap the fork against side of the bowl to remove any excess melted chocolate.
• Place onto baking sheet lined with waxed paper.
• Repeat with remaining candy.
• If the chocolate becomes too thick for dipping, place the bowl containing the chocolate into the bowl with warm water until desired consistancy.
• TIPS ON HOW TO WORK WITH DIPPING CHOCOLATE.
• Avoid all types of moisture when melting the chocolate, any steam or drops of moisture can cause the mixture to :seize" or become very firm, crumbly and grainy, if this occurs it can be corrected by stirring in 1 teaspoon shortening for each 2 ounces of melted chocolate.
• Chocolate can also be melted over low heat in a double boiler.
• Store the chocolate tightly wrapped in a cool dry place, do not refrigerate.

EASY, FESTIVE CHOCOLATE HOLIDAY PRETZELS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 170 degrees.
• Open the bags of pretzels and remove all the unbroken pretzels.
• Place them on waxed paper-lined cookie sheets in a single layer.
• Unwrap Hugs, place one on each pretzel, repeat for an entire cookie sheet.
• DO ONLY ONE TYPE OF CANDY PER SHEET, as the Hugs melt much quicker than the Kisses.
• Repeat using the Hershey Kisses.
• Place cookie sheet/s in the preheated oven, bake for 4 MINUTES FOR THE SHEET OF pretzels and HUGS, 5-6 minutes for the pretzels and Kisses.
• Immediately upon removing from the oven, place one M-n-M on top of each pretzel/chocolate.
• Place cookie sheet in freezer for 8-10 minutes, to allow chocolate to re-set.