BLING PRETZEL RODS

The first time I laid eyes on these little goodies, I was spying around at the Far Hills Steeplechase (see blog post: http://fifisfinefoods.blogspot.com/2010/10/newsflash-fifi-finds-fabulous-food-and.html)

What a fun, portable treat, right?! Then recently my friend Marion brought over a huge box full of chocolate covered pretzels! She found them at a bakery called Randazzo's in Raritan, NJ. They were the classic pretzel shape, coated with chocolate, and an awesome variety of tasty, "Blingy" toppings. By the time I got my camera ready to take a picture of these fabulous treats, this is all that was left on the platter... :-(

But anyway, you get the idea... they were very popular.

I recently decided to attempt making them myself. It was surprisingly easy an fun! Here is all you need to get started:

                                  A Bag of Semisweet Chocolate Chips

                                                           (sorry, no photo)

                                                       Pretzel Rods

Your favorite toppings (I used heath bar chips, sprinkles, and ground up Peanut butter chips)

You will also need a cookie sheet, waxed paper, baking parchment, or Silpat liners.

                                             First, melt the chocolate chips.

Then, dip the pretzel rods into the melted chocolate chips. Scrape the majority of the chocolate off of the pretzel rod with a plastic spatula.

               Roll in the topping of your choice (on the wax paper, Silpat, or parchment).

Transfer to cookie sheet (also lined with wax paper, Silpat, or parchment) and place in your freezer for about 10 minutes.

               Remove from freezer, and they are ready to serve or store for later.

                      HOW EASY AND YUM IS THAT?!

I have also since tried coconut (which turned out fab) and I plan to try chopped nuts, coarsely ground M & M's, and who knows what else! Let me know if you come up with any other good, "Blingy" ideas for toppings.

                          Ciao for now, Foodie Friends!





PEPPERMINT BARK

The good news about Peppermint Bark is....it's delicious! The bad news about Peppermint Bark is, that it's usually kinda expensive. But wait, I've got more good news about Peppermint Bark! It's very easy to make! It only has 4 ingredients, and requires no baking. Try this foolproof recipe and you will be munching away before you know it! (Quick, go out and buy some candy canes NOW, while they are on sale!)

Making and eating Peppermint Bark makes me feel like I am 5 years old again, playing Candyland. (C'mon, you know you remember loving that game.....)

PEPPERMINT BARK

2 8oz pkgs of semi sweet chocolate
1 8oz pkg white chocolate
1.5 tablespoons pure peppermint extract
candy canes, crushed

Melt the semi sweet chocolate, and spread evenly on a cookie sheet. I use baking parchment too, to prevent sticking. Plus it makes clean up super easy.

Then, melt the white chocolate, and add the peppermint extract to the melted white chocolate. Mix well. Spread the mixture over the top of the dark chocolate in a decorative design of your choice. As you can see, I went with a "squiggle" pattern. :-)

Then, just take the crumbled candy canes and sprinkle them evenly over the top. You can use as much, or as little as you like. I sifted out the powdered pieces and sprinkled them over the top as well, for an extra kick of peppermint flavor.

Cover with foil or baking parchment and refrigerate until firm, about 20-30 minutes. Break it all into bite size pieces.

Suddenly... you'll find that you have been transported to Candyland, my dear Foodie Friend! No doubt you will love tasting how the deep chocolate flavor mixes so well with the aromatic peppermint. Plus you never even broke a sweat, 'cause it was so easy to make! Its a perfect gift, and has an excellent shelf life if kept in a sealed container. Enjoy!