Things Dipped In Chocolate

I don't have a whole lot to say about this one.

...Chocolate.  Pretzels.  Dipping.  What could be bad?

Having a tray full of things dipped in chocolate on display is a surefire way to get party guests to like you, and turning the whole thing into a party activity (let's drink drinks and dip things in chocolate!) is an idea full of promise, I assure you.

This recipe is for pretzels, but if I have anything to say about it (and it turns out I sort of do), you could substitute pretty much anything (I mean not anything, let's be real) for the pretzels: strawberries (sexy!), shortbread cookies (festive!), oreos (naughty!).  Sky is the limit.  Get dipping, party people.

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Ingredients:

• 11 ounces chocolate (dark, milk or white, your choice)
• 1 package pretzel rods
• sprinkles or other small candies for decorating

Directions:

In a fairly deep bowl, melt the chocolate, either using a double boiler or the microwave (just make sure you don't use a metal bowl if you're going the microwave route.  For obvious reasons).  When you're finished, the chocolate should be slightly warm and thoroughly melted.

Stir the chocolate well, using a clean spoon, until it no longer feels warm to the touch (it should feel about body temperature).  Immediately start dipping your pretzels into the chocolate -- hold one end of the pretzel rod and dunk the other into the bowl a few times to thoroughly coat it.  Once each pretzel is sufficiently covered in chocolate, place it on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to dry and sprinkle it with decorations while it's still wet. 

Place the pretzel-filled baking sheet into the refrigerator to set up, and hold them there until ready to eat.