PRETZEL STICKS FOR DIPPING RECIPES

Steps:

• Place almonds in a shallow dish. In a large glass measuring cup, microwave caramels and water on high until caramels are melted, stirring every minute., Dip three-fourths of each pretzel into caramel, allowing excess to drip off. (Reheat caramel in microwave if mixture becomes too thick for dipping.) Roll in almonds. Place on waxed paper until set. , In a microwave, melt white baking chips; stir until smooth. Dip half of the caramel-coated pretzels in white baking chips, allowing excess to drip off. Add sprinkles if desired; return to waxed paper to set. Repeat with chocolate chips and remaining pretzels., Store in airtight containers or wrap in cellophane gift bags and tie with ribbon.

Steps:

• Place the peanut butter in a medium bowl. Sift the powdered sugar through a fine mesh strainer over top of the peanut butter. Using a rubber spatula, stir the peanut butter and sugar together to make a smooth, somewhat stiff mixture.  Spread about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture on half of the crackers. Press the wooden sticks into the peanut butter mixture, then top each with one more cracker. Press the crackers to stick them together. Place in the freezer for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the chocolate bars into small, similar-sized pieces. Place in a bowl set over a pot filled with about 1” of water. (Make sure that the bowl does not touch the water). Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stir the chocolate occasionally, until it is melted and fluid. Transfer to a tall measuring cup, for easier dipping. Line a large baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Remove the pops from the freezer. Dip one pop into the melted chocolate to coat completely. Remove and let the excess chocolate drip off into the measuring cup. Place the pop on the sheet tray and immediately place four little pretzel pieces up top (the antlers), two candy eyes just below, then one red candy nose. Repeat with all of the other pops. When the chocolate is shiny and still somewhat soft, sprinkle the tops of the reindeer faces with a pinch of flaky sea salt, if you like.  Let firm up at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Store in an air-tight container in a single layer, between layers of parchment paper, in a cool spot in your kitchen or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.