Chocolate Pretzels Recipe

"These are unlike any chocolate pretzel I have ever had before! My aunt gave me the recipe and they are wonderful."  Original recipe yield: 2 dozen.

INGREDIENTS:

24 circular pretzels
24 milk chocolate candy kisses
1 (1.69 ounce) package mini candy-coated chocolates

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place pretzels on baking sheets. Unwrap candy kisses and place one in the center of each pretzel.
Place in preheated oven 1 to 2 minutes, until kisses melt. Remove from oven and place one candy-coated chocolate in the center of each pretzel. Chill in refrigerator until set.

Chocolate Truffles

"Truffles make a great homemade gift at the holidays. Say thank you to a friend or co-worker with a nice box of truffles. Arrange several truffles in a pretty silver box or other tin; decorate inside of box with colorful wax paper. Wrap with bow. Re-usable tins are a nice keepsake, too."  Original recipe yield: 6 dozen.

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14 ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Coatings (optional):
Finely chopped toasted nuts, flaked coconut, chocolate sprinkles, colored sprinkles, unsweetened cocoa powder, confectioners' sugar or colored sugars

DIRECTIONS:

In heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt chocolate chips with condensed milk. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Chill 2-3 hours or until firm.
Shape into 1-inch balls; roll in any of the listed coatings.
Chill 1 hour or until firm. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

Variations:

Microwave: In 1-quart glass measure, combine chips and condensed milk. Microwave on full power (high) 3 minutes, stirring after 1 1/2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Proceed as directed above.

Amaretto: Omit vanilla. Add 3 tablespoons amaretto or other almond- flavored liqueur and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Roll in finely chopped toasted almonds.

Orange: Omit vanilla. Add 3 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur. Roll in finely chopped toasted almonds mixed with finely grated orange rind.

Rum: Omit vanilla. Add 1/4 cup dark rum. Roll in flaked coconut.

Bourbon: Omit vanilla. Add 3 tablespoons bourbon. Roll in finely chopped toasted nuts.

Tip:

Place individual Chocolate Truffles into gold/silver foil candy wrappers and arrange on a tray for decadent dessert tray. Or serve with a cup of after dinner coffee as a 'mini' chocolate treat.