Staying Inspired

The days feel long while the months seem to fly by. It is hard to believe that we are already nearing the end of August. The realization that we are about to leap into fall came with excitement and disappointment that the beautiful summer nights are almost over. Thinking about this blog today I remembered to focus on where we are at currently and stay inspired. 

The end of summer does mean though that some family birthday's are here! I am blessed with an amazing sister and husband that actually share the same birthday! So, as a birthday treat for them I decided to make easy and tasty chocolate dipped pretzel rods.

The following are ingredients that you will need and can easily be found at your local grocery store: pretzel rods, chocolate melting chips, white chocolate melting chips and your favorite sprinkles. Parchment or butcher paper are very helpful for an easy clean up, piping bags also are a plus. 

1. Lay out your parchment paper on your counter or table.
2. Using a microwavable dish, pour the desired amount of chocolate melting chips. 
3. On your microwaves lowest setting, (I prefer using the inverter) microwave the chips for 30 seconds. 
4. Take out the container and stir the semi-melted chips. I find using a fork works great to break up the chunks. Place back in microwave for 30 more seconds. Repeat this process until the chocolate becomes super smooth and runs right off of your fork. 
5. With a pretzel rod ready to dip, tilt your dish so the chocolate will cover your pretzel rod almost halfway. Roll rod until it is fully covered. 
6. Place on your parchment paper. Repeat the process leaving a quarter inch of space minimum between coated rods. 
7. Scrape the extra chocolate into your piping bag. If you don't have piping bags, you can easily use a ziploc bag. Cut off the tip of the piping bag or a corner of the ziploc bag. 
8. Using light and steady pressure on the piping bag, go over each pretzel rod from the top to the middle or bottom in a zig zag motion. 
9. Take your sprinkles and lightly coat the melted chocolate.
10. When all your pretzel rods are decorated, wash your microwavable dish and utensil. Make sure to dry thoroughly.
11. Repeat the same process for melting the white chocolate melting chips. Remember this is an added decoration so the amount you need is much less.  
12. Once fully melted, scrape into your piping bag and trim the tip for a small opening. 
13. Using light, steady pressure, repeat the zig zag motion until you coat each individual rod. You can either place them in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to harden or leave them where they are to harden. 

Enjoy your delicious treats and remember to stay inspired!