topic Re: Pretzel rods in Kitchen

Pretzel rods

Mom2Dogs — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 00:28:14 GMT

I am thinking about wrapping pretzel rods in carmel then dipping in chocolate - but what kind of pan would be the right size since the rods are long and narrow? I dip buckyes but that's easy - rods will be more difficult.

I don't think spooning the chocolate on will work - way to much work and I don't think it would cover well, any thoughts?

Re: Pretzel rods

Warrior2022 — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 00:33:18 GMT

Everytime I have seen them homemade, they are only dipped 1/2-3/4 of the rod. Maybe a tall microwaveable glass for melting the chocolate?

Re: Pretzel rods

Mom2Dogs — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 00:40:11 GMT

@Warrior2022...I have never microwaved the chocolate, but that is a good idea, thanks.

Re: Pretzel rods

Katcat1 — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 00:43:37 GMT

@Mom2Dogs Perhaps a large cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Send a couple over when you are finished.

Re: Pretzel rods

kittyloo — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 00:45:00 GMT

nestles suggests after dipping place on a baking sheet, and refrigerating.

Re: Pretzel rods

Mom2Dogs — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 00:53:45 GMT

@kittyloo, yes that keeps the chocolate from sticking to the pan....I have a side by side frindge and getting a large cookie sheet is hard to do. It's always nice when it's cold outside when I do the dipping - the back porch is not heated and I can use it for a cold place instead of the fridge.

Re: Pretzel rods

Carmie — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 01:16:12 GMT

I make chocolate covered pretzel rods for many occcasions. I melt the chocolate in a bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir and repeat until it is melted and smooth being careful not to burn it. I then put the pretzel in the bowl end to end up and lean it over a bit. I use a spoon to cover the pretzel with chocolate. I leave about a inch and a half handle. Then I let the excess chocolate drip off into the bowl and lay the wet pretzel on waxed paper placed on my counter.

Before the chocolate is dry, I sprinkle with nuts, jimmies or whatever. Sometimes, I melt white chocolate and dip a table fork in it. Then I wave the fork back and forth over the pretzels on the waxed paper to make a striped design. The chocolate will drip and fly off with the fast motion.

I do not refrigerate them at all. I get seasonal themed cellophane bags at the dollar store and package them three to a bag and give them out as for gifts or favors.

My waxed paper is always full of sprinkles and chocolate from the fork shaking. I just roll it up and toss.

i forgot to mention, if the chocolate gets too thick and difficult to work with, put it back in the microwave for 20 second intervals until it gets thin and runny. Never add water or liquid food coloring to chocolate or it will seize and you will have to throw it out.

Re: Pretzel rods

Mom2Dogs — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 01:18:38 GMT

@Carmie, thanks for the tips....like I mentioned I have never microwaved the chocolate I always used a double boiler, but wll give it a try this year.

Re: Pretzel rods

Carmie — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 01:30:52 GMT

@Mom2DogsI have a commercial electric pot to melt chocolate in...it even keeps the chocolate at an even temperature and makes it easy to temper, but I find the microwave method goes a lot faster. The first couple of times that I tried, I burned it.

Now I know to set for 30 seconds and stir....melt it slow. I love working with chocolate and prefer it to baking any day...plus it's my favorite food.

Re: Pretzel rods

Mom2Dogs — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 01:34:03 GMT

@Carmie...I quickly read on line that you can use heat proof tall glass containers, fill your crockpot with water and heat up - the chocolate melts. I guess it works well when you want to use different types or flavors of chocolate. I will have to go back and re read the article.

Have you ever wrapped your pretzel rods in carmel before dipping in chocolate? I wan to try that version as well.

Re: Pretzel rods

Warrior2022 — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 02:29:40 GMT

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
@Carmie...I quickly read on line that you can use heat proof tall glass containers, fill your crockpot with water and heat up - the chocolate melts. I guess it works well when you want to use different types or flavors of chocolate. I will have to go back and re read the article.

Have you ever wrapped your pretzel rods in carmel before dipping in chocolate? I wan to try that version as well.

I have not and I have only done a cover mix type thing with pretzels, cereal, nuts, etc. However, when I have received some or ordered some, the caramel seems to come off in a gooey piece. Good luck!

Re: Pretzel rods

Love my grandkids — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 03:01:42 GMT

@Mom2Dogs Oh yummy! I'd be happy to taste them for you! I love caramel and choclate, sounds like a wonderful idea.

Re: Pretzel rods

hayseed00 — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 13:08:13 GMT

I once saw the Pioneer woman make them and she used a tall glass and only dipped about halfway.

Re: Pretzel rods

wagirl — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 14:18:18 GMT

@Mom2Dogs--someone mentioned the chocolate in a tall glass---that's what I did too and it worked very well, then rolled them or sprinkled them with goodies. they turned out just like wha you would buy.

Re: Pretzel rods

Carmie — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 14:26:26 GMT

@Mom2Dogs I have tried to melt Caramels and dip pretzels. I only tried it once. I had problems.

The caramel did not set up well and when I dipped the pretzels in chocolate, the caramel melted and mixed with the chocolate and I had a mess.

i thought about putting the caramel pretzels in the freezer first, or using those wraps made for caramel apples but because I make so many at a time, it would be too expensive for the wraps. I usually make 105 at a time.

i guess I should have tried another method, but I never have. I just gave up with caramels.

I do make turtles with caramels. I place three pecans together in a star shape on cookie sheet with parchment paper, then place an unwrapped caramel on top. I place in a not too hot oven until the caramel melts. When cool. I dip in melted chocolate. They turn out fine.

Thanks for the tips and let me know how your caramel pretzels turn out.

Re: Pretzel rods

Mom2Dogs — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 15:11:25 GMT

@Carmie, thanks for the advice about the carmels.....the turtles sound good!! I make peanut clusters and they are also a bit of a pain when dipping, you have to work fast so the fondant does not fall off when dipping....even tho I work with cold fondant....thinking I should stick to cookies!

Re: Pretzel rods

spud188 — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 15:44:35 GMT

Please share what kind or brand of Chocolate you use for melting. And do you find those large pretzel rods??

Thanks

Re: Pretzel rods

Carmie — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 20:14:45 GMT

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
@Carmie, thanks for the advice about the carmels.....the turtles sound good!! I make peanut clusters and they are also a bit of a pain when dipping, you have to work fast so the fondant does not fall off when dipping....even tho I work with cold fondant....thinking I should stick to cookies!

I do it the easy way. I melt chocolate, then stir in the nuts or raisins, then drop by spoonfuls into those little paper cups you use to make candy.

I just purchased a gallon can of Almond paste. I am going to attempt to make cookies with it. I love almond paste cookies and I need gluten free ones. I am going to need good luck.

Re: Pretzel rods

Mom2Dogs — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 22:44:42 GMT

I use a hershey bar and ghiradelli chocolate chips....Last year I purchased more expensive chocolate (mail order) and could not taste the difference so I will use what I have in the past. @spud188