CANDY-COATED CARAMEL PRETZEL RODS

This award-winning carmel-covered, sweet adorned pretzel is a quick variation on our traditional family favorite--our homemade caramel, chocolate dipped pretzel rods.  Two pluses:  It works up MUCH faster, and children would be able to do these with a lot less mess as well.  It's an excellent recipe for a quick, easy treat--the combination of salty/sweet is just perfect! They make perfect, quick Christmas gifts in a cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon.  Plan on making a double batch!  They won't last--I guarantee!

1 pkg. (10-oz.) pretzel rods

1 pkg (14 oz.) caramels (or your own homemade caramel recipe)

1 Tablespoon evaporated milk (omit if using your own caramel recipe)

1 1/4 Cups mini morsels (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

1 Cup + 2 Tblsps peanut butter chips  or butterscotch chips

2/3 Cup milk chocolate toffee bits

1/4 Cups chopped walnuts (slivered almonds or pecans)

With a sharp knife, cut pretzel rods in half; set aside.  In large saucepan over low heat, melt caramels with milk.  In a large, shallow bowl, combine the chips, toffee bits and nuts.  Pour caramel mixture into a 2-Cup glass measuring cup.  Dip the cut end of each pretzel piece two-thirds of the way unto the caramel mixture.  (If mixture gets too thick, reheat in the microwave--DO NOT OVER HEAT!)  Allow access caramel to drip off, then roll pretzels in the chip mixture.  Place on waxed paper or parchment paper until set.  (I put them in the refrigerator for 5 minutes).  Store in an airtight container.  YIELD:  4 1/2 dozen

NOTE:  Of course, you can use your homemade caramel recipe for these.  You can also use your imagination with your favorite candy adornments.  For Christmas, mini red and green m&m's look great! White mini chips are also great on these rods.  I think milk chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and either almonds or pecans are good together.  When they're done, zig-zagged white chocolate over the pretzel looks good.  You can also use the whole pretzel rod, and not break them in two.  There are also shorter rods, that need no breaking at some stores.  (Picture taken from a photo on-line...these look much better in person, but I didn't have one handy).