Saturday, December 5, 2009

Have yourself a sweet and salty little holiday . . .

Bub wouldn't settle down to sleep on Thursday night until he secured a promise from me that we could "cover pretzels with icing and sprinkles" the next day after school. Understanding that he meant white chocolate (not icing) I agreed . . . not because I personally love chocolate covered pretzels, of course, but because I am such a hands-on, festive, fun holiday mom. NTB.

Let me walk you step by step through our holiday snack creation.

1. First, secure some pretzels. I used the Rold Gold Holiday Shapes pretzels (not quite the whole bag).


2. Next, spread the pretzels on a sheet of wax paper, like so . . .


3. Enjoy your child's excitement and anticipation.


4. Then, get everything else out. You will need a package of white almond bark (just white chocolate or something like it as far as I can tell--does not seem to include almonds so have no idea about the name). You will also need "extras" like red and green sprinkles and Heath brickle bits. You may need to tell your preschooler, "Honey, you can't sprinkle the pretzels until the chocolate is on them." Maybe even more than once.

5. Okay, melt half of your almond bark in the microwave. I used my small Pampered Chef steamer (without the lid) and it worked like a charm because it has a lip for pouring and a handle. This is the vessel of which I speak . . .


6. Pour melted almond bark on top of about half of the pretzels. Then, tell your child to go crazy with the sprinkles. Distribute the brickle bits generously. They are not attractive, but boy are they tasty.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 with remaining almond bark and pretzels.

8. Let the pretzel concoction cool and harden. Be prepared to say, "Just a few more minutes" for the next twenty minutes as your child asks when the pretzels will be ready.


9. Start cleaning up. There may be some (thousands of?) sprinkles on the floor and table.

10. Admire your final product. Attractive enough for gifting? Not really. Perfect for snacking? Absolutely. The perfect sweet and salty snack that pairs well with a variety of beverages, including water, Diet Coke, and cold milk. Break a piece off and indulge . . . in moderation, of course.


Is it just me or do many of the things I concoct look like vomit?

What are your recommendations for sweet and salty snacks? For kid-friendly cooking projects?

10 comments:

WPA said...

That looks really good--well it sounds really good!

PITA said...

i started making this combination a few years ago. line a pan with the Snyders Snap Pretzels and place a rolo on top. next, warm them in the oven until they start to melt and finally make a sandwich by placing another pretzel on top. the caramel and the chocolate ooze through the holes. let them cool and enjoy! i really shouldn't make them because i seem to consume all of them.

PITA said...

i line the pan with parchment or wax paper first. just thought i should mention that.

sarah D said...

Salty and sweet are yummy. I like what you've done here. My s-i-l takes a pretzel, puts a little dab of white choc and then tops the dab with a holiday m&m (and they make m&ms for every holiday, don't you know). Delish.

Ms. Holly said...

"Is it just me or do many of the things I concoct look like vomit?"

Hilarious. I actually remember when my sister and I loved making chocolate-covered pretzels with my mom. Ours had to be pretty though, so bonus fun mom points for you.

I would also like to commend you on the rare creation of a treat that does, indeed, pair beautifully with both Diet Coke and milk. It's an accomplishment that should not be overlooked.

CaraBee said...

What is this "moderation" you speak of? It sounds vaguely familiar but I just can't put my finger on it.

That looks yummy! Might attempt making them for the weekly playdate!

Actchy said...

I laughed out loud more than once here. Adorable shot of Bub. And I would be happy to get a piece of your...pretzel brittle? glue gun accident?...as a gift.

Steph said...

Choc covered pretzels tops my list! Tho mine aren't nearly as pretty as yours. Cool.

Cynthia said...

See, I'm not so savvy, I just mix M&M's and popcorn:P

E... said...

We are going to try to make the snowmen pretzels from Family Fun magazine (a new periodical to our house). You dip pretzel rods in white chocolate then decorate with fruit rollups, choc chips, etc. I'll let you know if it turns out to be something other than a mess.

 
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