25 Days of Christmas, Day 10: Caramel & Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Hugh and I are off to Neighboring City to buy more Christmas presents than you can shake a stick at, and, if you want a really yummy stick to shake at those presents; these dipped pretzel rods are the perfect thing. Just be really careful not to shake them too hard, they are somewhat delicate after all.

Caramel & Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

1 pkg. Kraft caramel bits (or, a package of unwrapped caramels)
1 pkg. chocolate candy coating (find it in the baking aisle)
1 pkg. pretzel rods
Assorted sprinkles, jimmies, mini M&Ms, candy melts in holiday colors, etc.

Spray a large sheet of waxed paper with cooking spray. Melt caramel bits according to directions on the package; be sure to use a deep, narrow bowl to ensure using every drop of caramel. Once caramel is melted, dip pretzel rods 3/4 of the way, allow excess to drip back into bowl, set aside on prepared waxed paper.

Pour sprinkles, jimmies, or M&Ms onto a separate sheet of waxed paper. While caramel is setting, melt chocolate candy coating in microwave according to package directions, once again using a deep, narrow bowl. Dip caramel coated pretzels rods into chocolate, covering caramel and allowing excess chocolate to drip back into bowl. Wait 30-45 seconds before rolling pretzel rod in sprinkles to coat, set aside on waxed paper to harden.

You may also melt holiday colored Candy Melts (you'll find these in the cake decorating section of any craft store and in the baking aisle of some supermarkets) according to package directions and, using small spoonfuls, wave over pretzel rods to create candy stripes, if desired. Store pretzels in airtight container or freeze until ready to serve.