White Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods

My family is  2,347 miles away for most holidays, but they are always right here when I need them. We make use of pretty much every form of social media and phone service to keep each other in "the loop". When the miles stretch out during the holidays I love to send them hugs via the U.S. Post. For Valentines Day I decided something sweet and homemade would be perfect. These white chocolate covered pretzel rods wouldn't completely derail everyone's New Years resolutions for healthier snack choices, but believe me, I ate enough of the reject rods to know that these chocolate covered hugs satisfy the most intense sweet tooth. Colorful "glitter" sugar and almonds add a touch of whimsy that is perfect for gift giving and party treats. 

Here's What you Need: 

• 2 cups of white chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
• 2 x 12 oz bags of large pretzel rods
• 1 cup sliced almonds crushed  (optional)
• Edible Colored Sugar Glitter (optional) 

Here's What you gotta Do:

1. In a double boiler, bring a cup of water to a gentle simmer in the bottom pot. 
2. In the top part of the double boiler, add the chocolate chips.  
3. When the chocolate begins to melt, stir in  the vegetable shortening. Stir until the chocolate is mostly melted and remove from heat. 
4. Continue to stir until all of the chocolate is melted and has a smooth consistency throughout. 
5. Lay out parchment paper or any smooth surface to place your dipped rods on to dry without sticking. 
6. Use a spoon to cover about 3/4 of the rod in white chocolate. 
7. Sprinkle the rods with "glitter" or almonds.
8. Place the covered rods on the parchment paper to dry. 
9. The chocolate will be dry and easily handled in about  7 to 10 minutes. 

* Store extra in a ziplock or airtight jar. 

I found it easier to work with 5 rods at a time

Let the chocolate dry completely before handing the rods. 

Yum!

The "glitter" really made the rods sparkle. 

They were as good as they looked. 

The almond covered rods were for my sister and her husband who are cutting back on their empty calories.  Just ignore the whole "white chocolate" thing. 

Photo from my mom when the treats arrived.

 They loved them!

I packaged the rods in cute plastic bags with ribbon, 

and those bags where put inside of an airtight Ziplock. 

Everything was dutifully padded and boxed. 

I shipped the Valentines Day Package express to ensure everything arrived fresh. 

“I think careful cooking is love, don’t you?

The loveliest thing you can cook for someone

who’s close to you is about as nice a valentine as you can give.”

– Julia Child

Life is Delicious...Go Taste It!