In my house, the holidays spell candy in a big way. When I was a kid, we’d start making Christmas candy a week or two before Christmas. Now that I have two children with birthdays in early and mid December, we basically have one big party from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.
This year, mainly because of my new Candy Addict status, we decided to begin the candy making before Thanksgiving. I’d like to share a simple recipe with you, and maybe you’d like to start a new family tradition on this Thanksgiving Day. A tradition worthy of a true Candy Addict. Forget football – make candy after dinner!
(and other delights)
- 24 ounce package vanilla almond bark
- 11.5 ounce package semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 large bag salted pretzels (bow twists, sticks, rods, any shape or size!)
- Nonpareils (sprinkles)
Melt almond bark and chocolate chips in large microwave safe bowl for 90 seconds, then stir well. Continue to microwave for 15 second intervals, stirring well after each, until mixture is smooth. (Alternatively, you may melt almond bark and chips in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.)
Drop a few handfuls of pretzels into the chocolate mixture and stir well. Using tongs, a fork, or a slotted spoon, remove pretzels one at a time, allowing chocolate to drain from them before placing onto waxed paper or aluminum foil. Sprinkle nonpareils over them, then allow to dry (about 5-10 minutes).
We ran out of sprinkles, so most of ours didn’t have any sprinkles. By unanimous vote of the family, though, the chocolate covered pretzels with sprinkles are superior.
After a while, you’ll get tired of dipping and draining pretzels. Now it’s time to make chocolate crispies or chocolate covered peanuts! We made crispies on this particular day. (Chocolate covered peanuts are made exactly the same way. Just use roasted, salted peanuts.)
It’s simple! Reheat the chocolate mixture for about 15 to 20 seconds and stir well. Then pour crispy rice cereal into the bowl and stir until well coated. (How much cereal you pour in depends upon how much chocolate mixture you have left. Be careful not to pour in too much at first. You can always add more!)
Spread mixture on waxed paper or aluminum foil to cool and harden. Cut into squares or break into pieces.
May I lick the bowl?
November 28th, 2008 at 2:05 pmthat looks like fun. i think i figured out what to get my friends for christmas!
November 28th, 2008 at 4:35 pmOh, Pam, I washed it already! That’ll teach me to do dishes… Next time, I’ll call you and you can come over and lick it. (But you’ll have to fight my kids.)
Good idea, Amy! Let me know how they like the treats. :)
November 28th, 2008 at 6:51 pmI love how your recipes are perfect for the whole family to make together. I wish my mom made stuff like this when I was growing up.
November 28th, 2008 at 10:43 pm