Easy Christmas Treats: Part 2

by Linda Hopkins

I was invited to the December gathering of a gourmet group that I had once been the cooking instructor for. When I initially received the call, I assumed I was going to be asked to lead the group in a cooking class again, but instead I was invited to be the group’s newest member. Fun!

The hostess had originally asked someone to lead the group in the making of holiday treats, but the woman backed out, so I became a co-hostess and we made the Oreo Truffles from yesterday’s post and this sweet treat.

We’ve all seen these pretty candied pretzel rods around during the holidays. They are a snap to make and serve at parties or give as gifts.

I will admit that having a group of nine fun and rowdy women making them at the same time was a bit of a mess, but a very fun mess. Especially because there were holiday Moscow Mules involved! You’ll find the recipe for those in tomorrow’s post.

These keep really well, so you can make them a week or so ahead for holiday gift-giving!

One important note – depending on the brand and flavor of melts, the coating may need to be set up some before heavier decorations and candies are sprinkled on. As you can see from the photo above, we learned the hard way.

Candied Pretzel Rods

12-ounce package chocolate candy melts, melted
12-ounce package white chocolate candy melts, melted
12-ounce package salted caramel candy melts, melted
1 package pretzel rods
Crushed candy canes, sprinkles, and/or jimmies
Optional: Red and green candy melts, melted, for drizzling

Pour the melted chocolates and caramel into three different tall jars or other microwaveable glass containers.

Dip each pretzel rod into melted chocolates or caramel. Cover 3/4 of the pretzel. While still wet, decorate with candy, sprinkles, or jimmies.

Reheat the caramel and chocolates in the microwave as needed to keep them melted.

Or to create a “double-dipped” pretzel, after the first dip, place the pretzel onto parchment paper to let cool and set up. Dip into another flavor of melted chocolate or caramel and then while still wet, decorate.

If desired, drizzle white chocolate-dipped pretzel rods with melted green and/or red candy melts and then decorate with crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or jimmies.