I think that sometimes we all under-estimate the power of simple. We like to dazzle our families and friends with amazing and elaborate dishes and treats, showcasing our culinary abilities, especially this time of year. Our holiday baking lists sometimes overlook many of our favorite things for being too plain and boring, or get crossed off as something that everyone sees in the store. There is a reason that certain items appear on every shelf around Christmas. People love them and they sell. But things from the store are never as good as the ones made with the love that caring hands can deliver, and almond bark pretzels are one of these items. You have enough things on your plate that will require a lot of attention, so don’t eliminate some of everyone’s favorite treats because it seems as though they don’t require enough effort. Many times less is more, and simple is quite often pure delightful. Remember the brown paper packages tied up with strings………………I hear you singing!
Tip: Set up a “sprinkle station”. Place your sprinkles in a small bowl and then position a larger bowl next to it. Hold the dipped pretzel over the larger bowl and add sprinkles. The bowl will catch the ones that do not stick, and you can pour them back and use them again.
These pretzels are always a hit at a cocktail party, and they also make a great gift that pretty much everyone loves. Dipped pretzels also make a great “filler” for holiday trays of goodies for those of you that have teachers or co-workers to think about.
- almond bark
- pretzels
- sprinkles
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Melt the almond bark in the top of a double boiler. You can also melt the almond bark in the microwave the same way you would temper chocolate if you prefer. If you do not have a double boiler, you can make your own by placing a stainless steel bowl on top of a sauce pan of water.
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Pour your pretzels into a bowl to make them easy to grab. Holding the ear of a pretzel dip it into the almond bark, shake off the extra, and add sprinkles. Place pretzel on a sheet of wax paper to set up.
You can make as many or as few as you like.
Almond bark is not white chocolate. It is a vanilla flavored candy coating made from vegetable fats and contains no cocoa butter (fewer calories too). It is also extremely easy to work with compared to chocolate. Set up a "sprinkle station".
Place your sprinkles in a small bowl and then position a larger bowl next to it. Hold the dipped pretzel over the larger bowl and add sprinkles. The bowl will catch the ones that do not stick, and you can pour them back and use them again.