Double Dipped Pretzel Rods

We received a yummy gift basket from some friends that, among other treats, included some dipped pretzel rods.  So when it was time to think up something to bring for the clever girl's holiday party for her kindergarten class, I thought pretzel rods would be a fun treat!  I mean, who can resist the combination of salty and sweet, plus there are fun sprinkles all over them!  Perfect!

These fun treats are easy and relatively fast to make.  Depending on your sprinkle choices, they could be used for any occasion!  Birthday parties, spring flings, halloween, anything you want!  Or for no occasion at all, as they are pretty tasty...

You need:
1 package of pretzel rods - believe it or not, the generic ones are a bit stiffer so they work better (less breakage)
1 package of Kraft vanilla caramels
1-2 TB milk or heavy cream
1 package of white chocolate bark coating or white chocolate chips
1-2 teaspoons white shortening
sprinkles

Unwrap the caramels and place them and the milk/heavy cream in a microwaveable bowl.  Microwave in 10 second intervals until they are melted and smooth.  Pour the melted caramel into a tall skinny cup - this makes the dipping easier.  Dip each pretzel rod in the caramel approximately 1/2 to 2/3 the way up.  Lay them out on parchment paper to dry.  Another idea would be to lay them on a cooling rack that is coated with cooking spray, sitting OVER some parchment.  This would help the drips look prettier, instead of pooling around the pretzels. 

Once the caramel is cooled, you can start the next layer.  Place some of the chocolate bark in a microwave-save bowl with the shortening.  Melt in 10 second intervals until it is a nice thin consistency.  Pour into another tall skinny cup.  Dip each caramel pretzel rod into the white chocolate, covering the caramel completely.  Set out on another piece of parchment (or baking rack).  Sprinkle to your hearts content!

Allow to cool completely.  If there are areas of the coating that have pooled funny, cut it off with a knife to even out the pretzel rods.  Arrange in a tall vase/container, tie together with ribbons, place in plastic bags, etc.

Who can resist this salty/sweet treat?  The clever girl thought they were DELICIOUS and was excited to bring them for her class.  She was even more excited when there were some left over and she got to bring them home again!