Goofy, but Tasty, Snack for the Big Game!

I made these chocolate dipped pretzel rods, which look like lit cigars, for a recent Ugly Sweater Party. (That would explain the hat.)

Not sure why I have funky yellow rectangles in my glasses.

They’re simple, quick, delicious, gluten free and vegan friendly! And they look quite realistic.

I used:

Snyder’s of Hanover Gluten Free Pretzel Rods. I found them at Meijer. Finding gluten free pretzel rods is no easy task. You’re just going to have to look around for them. When I find them I usually get 3 or 4 bags and stash the extra bags in the freezer.

Enjoy Life Mini Chips Semi Sweet. I’m able to find these in Meijer, Kroger, Walmart, Whole Foods and Fresh Thyme. (I’ve also used the Nestle brand of dairy free chips, but the Enjoy Life are my favorite.)

1 tsp of shortening. It helps the chocolate to firm up a little better on the pretzel rod. (I’ve had some people tell me they’ve never used shortening when dipping pretzels, so I’d say this could be a personal preference thing.)

Grey, red and white sugar sprinkles for the “ash” effect. I found them in my sister-in-law’s kitchen cabinet, farthest cupboard on the right, middle shelf. (She’s a cake decorator.) Pretty sure she’s not in the habit of letting just anyone into her kitchen to borrow sprinkles, so I would suggest Hobby Lobby or Walmart or any store that carries cake decorating supplies. These are just the colored sugar sprinkles you put on Christmas cookies, but the grey is not something you’d probably find in a grocery store. I mixed up the combination I wanted, in a small dish, to get the “ash” effect.

Ashtray. Not mandatory, but it sure gives off the vibe that it’s a bunch of lit cigars sitting in there. I looked in thrift stores to try and find one but had no luck. Fortunately, I had a friend who just so happened to have one that is vintage 1970’s. Perfect!

The process:

Line 1 or 2 cookie sheets with parchment or wax paper. You’ll be placing the rods on them after you’ve dipped them.

I’m not going to give you quantities to use, you’ll just want to eyeball it depending on how many you want to make.

In a glass 4 cup measuring cup or a tall microwavable glass that is tall enough to fit most of the pretzel in and wide enough for your hand to fit, add about half of a bag of your chocolate chips and shortening. You can always add more chocolate chips later if needed. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time; stirring after every 30 seconds. Continue until melted.

You’re ready to start dipping. Pick up pretzel rods individually and swirl them around in the chocolate, leaving the top 2-3 inches uncovered so you have something to hold on to when you pick it up to eat. Lay it on the cookie sheet. I do about 6 of them before I sprinkle with my mixture of colored sugar sprinkles. It actually takes a fair amount of sprinkles, even though you’re just doing a few inches on the tip of the pretzel.

Let them cool. If I’m in a hurry (and I usually am) I pop them in the fridge to speed the process up. When the chocolate is firm, you’re ready to place them, haphazardly, in your ashtray.

Reminds both Kevin and I of family parties back in the day. We haven’t decided if that should disturb us or not.
Really looks like ashes.

That’s it. Enjoy!

Pretty legit. LOL

Thanks for stopping.

Brenda

Links for the pretzels and chocolate chips are below the disclaimer.

Disclaimer:                                 

These recipes and tips are not guaranteed to work or be safe for everyone. Allergies are extremely complicated and vary for each individual. It is still your responsibility to read labels to ensure your safety. I cannot be held liable for any ill effects from using my tips to avoid your allergies. (Sorry guys, I don’t foresee any problems, but Momma’s gotta cover her backside, ya know?) Just read your labels! Do your research!

Gluten Free Pretzels – Snyder’s of Hanover (snydersofhanover.com)

Eat Freely – Enjoy Life Foods® | Allergy Friendly & Gluten-Free‎