Making chocolate covered pretzels

larrysdarling

I want to make these but I'm intimated by melting chocolate. Yes, that's right. I've never attempted it before and it seems that chocolate is rather temperamental if you try to heat it.

Any tips? Recipes? 

ibekatieg

Use a double boiler and monitor closely. Easy stuff. Some receipes even instruct you to microwave it. I'm doing chocolate covered graham crackers tonight. 

ering1115

ditto katieg with the double boiler or microwave. 

turn the heat off when it seems to be almost completely melted and let the retained heat do the rest.  i think the double boiler is better for your first time because it will stay hotter (and melted) longer.  don't be intimidated- it really isn't too bad.

 

Temp422773312507524

I agree, although I usually use a microwave since I don't have a double broiler.  Key is to heat at small intervals and stir between each heat cycle.  

lachute

I will be happy to taste your test batch. 

larrysdarling

Ok. So I don't own an official double boiler. Can I make one with a pot and a bowl?

Also, can I use chocolate chips or do I have to get some special bakers chocolate? 

ering1115

glass bowl in a pot and chocolate chips work fine.  i actually think they are easier to work with than other chocolates.

sometimes i will buy a fancy bar of dark to mix in with cheaper milk chocolate to make it taste better. 

HeatherWain

Ditto Erin. I use a pot of boiling water and a clear glass bowl. Easy peasy. It's really not that hard at all and I'm sure your pretzels will turn out fine. I also wouldn't mind trying your first batch.

stilldreaming

sometimes i add a pat of butter to the chocolate chips to make it creamier and less stickier to the pottier. 

kross605

I share your fear of temperamental chocolate. Ive been considering using my fondue pot to heat it in. How I have a fondue pot but not a double boiler I dont know, but thats the case.

larrysdarling

kross605:

I share your fear of temperamental chocolate. Ive been considering using my fondue pot to heat it in. How I have a fondue pot but not a double boiler I dont know, but thats the case.

This exactly.

Thanks for all the tips. 

annam829

how about these?  finding this recipe made my morning:

Recipe: Chocolate & Peanut Butter Chip Pretzel Cookies
Makes 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. of salt
• 1/4 tsp. of baking soda
• 1/2 cup of butter at room temperature
• 1/2 cup of tightly packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
• 1/2 cup broken up pretzel pieces
• Preztel Salt or Sea Salt
  

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a larger bowl, beat the butter and sugars together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). On low speed, slowly add the beaten egg and vanilla extract. Beat to combine, scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3. Add the flour mixture and beat just until there are no more streaks of flour. Stir in the chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and preztels. Cover and refrigerate for an hour.
   
4. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out well rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Leave about 2 inches between each ball. Bake for 10 minutes. If you prefer crispier cookies increase the baking time by 1-2 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before removing.

Shannon1110

Don't forget, don't put any liquid near the melted chocolate.  Make sure all utensils are dry because the liquid will cause it to seize.  You can use a bit of vegetable oil if you need to thin it out.