Gourmet Pretzel Rods Recipe

"They're CRUNCHY and CHEWY and SWEET and SALTY and have a touch of CHOCOLATE... the ultimate snack! I get the peanuts and caramels in the bulk food section of the grocery store. It took me a couple of tries to get the caramel right (if you use 2 tablespoons water like some recipes for caramel apples call for, it stays too gooey; if you don't use any water, the caramel gets hard as a rock!)"  Original recipe yield: 15 servings.

INGREDIENTS:

1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1 tablespoon water
15 pretzel rods
1/2 (14 ounce) package candy-coated chocolate pieces
1 1/2 cups chopped peanuts

DIRECTIONS:

In a microwave safe dish, combine caramels and water. Microwave for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes or until smooth, stirring after each minute.

Dip a pretzel rod into melted caramel. Reserve about an inch at the end to use as a handle, and spread smooth with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Attach 12 chocolate pieces, then roll in chopped peanuts. Place on wax paper until set.

Note:

If caramel becomes difficult to work with about halfway through dipping, you can add 1/2 teaspoon water, and microwave for another 30 seconds; but don't keep microwaving or the caramel gets ruined.

Grandma's Christmas Candy

"This recipe has been passed down in our family for generations, and is always a favorite."  Original recipe yield: 1 pound.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter
2 cups crunchy peanut butter

DIRECTIONS:

Line a 9 X13 inch pan with foil. Set aside.
In the top pot of a double boiler set, slowly melt chocolate pieces and butter until smooth. Add peanut butter and stir until well mixed.
Pour chocolate mixture into pan; cover and chill in refrigerator until hardened. Cut into small squares and serve.

Hazelnut Toffee Crunch

"This buttery toffee is SO easy and quick! The chocolate combined with the hazelnuts is incredibly yummy!!"  Original recipe yield: 1 pound of candy.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter (no substitutes)
1 1/2 cups chopped hazelnuts
2 tablespoons light corn syrup

DIRECTIONS:

Line a 9 inch square pan with enough aluminum foil to extend a little past the edges, and butter the foil.
Place chocolate chips in a glass bowl, and cook in the microwave, stirring every 20 to 30 seconds until melted and smooth. Spread the melted chocolate in the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside in the refrigerator to cool while you make the candy part.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, hazelnuts and corn syrup. Bring to a boil, stirring to blend as the butter melts. Heat the mixture to 250 to 265 degrees F (121 to 129 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a rigid ball.
Pour over the cooled chocolate, and spread into an even layer. Return to the refrigerator to cool. When completely cool, break into bite size pieces, and store in an airtight container.