Recipe: Peppermint Pretzel Canes (dipped in almond bark and crushed peppermints)

PEPPERMINT PRETZEL CANES

"For gift-giving, decorate an empty (Pringles) potato chip can and fill it with these festive treats."

6 oz. almond bark or vanilla-flavored candy coating, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons shortening
2/3 cup finely crushed peppermint candies (24 candies)*
12 (8 1/2-inch) pretzel rods (from 11 oz. pkg.)

Line cookie sheet with waxed paper.

Melt almond bark and shortening in medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Pour into 11x7-inch baking dish or other shallow dish; carefully set baking dish in hot water to keep almond bark soft. (Do not get any water into almond bark.)

Sprinkle candy over separate sheet of waxed paper.

Roll pretzels in almond bark; allow excess to drip off. Roll in crushed candy. Place on lined cookie sheet; let stand until set.

MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. Place almond bark and shortening in 4-cup microwave-safe measuring cup or medium microwave-safe bowl Microwave on MEDIUM for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once halfway through melting. Stir until almond bark is melted. Continue as directed.

*To crush peppermint candies, place in double thickness of heavy-duty resealable plastic bags; seal. Place on cutting board; hit with hammer to crush.

Makes 12 pretzels
From: Recipelink.com
Source: Recipe booklet: Holiday XI, Pillsbury Classic Cookbooks #142, December, 1992