Easy Christmas Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Christmas is the perfect time for making and giving all kinds of desserts and treat. Chocolate covered pretzels are loved by children and adults because of the salty and sweet combination. They are easy and cheap to make too.

Ingredients:

• Medium-size pretzels
• 1 package of mill chocolate morsels (11-1/2 ounces)
• 3-inch square of paraffin wax
• unsalted peanuts, finely chopped
• Colored Sprinkled
• Tongs
  

Directions for Making Chocolate Covered Pretzels:

1. Line a backing sheet with aluminum foil or wax paper.

2. Melt the chocolate morsels and wax slowly together over hot water. You could also melt them in the microwave on a medium setting, stirring every minute.

3. Once melted, stir the chocolate and wax together until it is smooth.

4. Dip pretzels into the chocolate/wax mixture using tongs.

5. Place on cookie sheet.

6. Let the chocolate cool slightly and then sprinkle the chocolate covered pretzels with fine crushed peanuts or colored sprinkles to give them added texture and fun appeal.

This recipe makes 3-1/2 to 4 dozen chocolate covered pretzels.

Easy Christmas Peanut Butter Dough Balls

Peanut butter dough balls are easy to make and fun to eat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter (crunchy)
• 1/2 cup powdered dry milk
• 1/4 cup honey

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
• Roll into balls.
• Refrigerate
• Eat!

For something extra try dipping the peanut butter dough balls into melted chocolate. Yummy!

Easy Christmas Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients:

• 20 squares of semi-sweet chocolate, divided
• 1 package of cream cheese, softened (8 oz)
• peanuts, chopped (optional)
  
• sprinkles (optional)
• peppermint candy, crushed (optional)
  

Instructions:

1. Place 8 chocolate squares in a small bowl.
2. Heat the chocolate squares in the microwave until just melted.
   
3. Beat cream cheese with mixer until creamy.
4. Blend melted chocolate into the cream cheese.
5. Refrigerate until firm
6. Shape mixture into small balls (approximately 36).
7. Place the balls on a baking sheet that has been covered with waxed paper.
8. Melt remaining chocolate in the microwave.
9. Use a fork or metal tongs to dip truffles into the melted chocolate.
10. Place each chocolate covered truffle in a mini baking cup.
11. Decorate with peanut pieces and/or sprinkles, or peppermint candies.
12. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

Easy Christmas Chocolate Turtles

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup evaporated canned milk
• 1-14 oz. package of caramels
• 2-1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1-12 oz. package milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup paraffin

Cooking Instructions:

1. Melt caramels and evaporated milk in a double boiler over low heat, stirring until creamy.
2. Stir in the pecan halves.
3. Spoon the caramel mixture onto a buttered or wax paper covered cookie sheet, making small piles.
4. Cool in the refrigerator.
5. Melt paraffin and milk chocolate chips in a double boiler until smooth.
6. Using tongs dip the caramel pecan pieces into the chocolate mixture one at a time.
7. Drop chocolate covered pieces onto wax paper.
8. Store turtles in a plastic container at room temperature.

These make a great holiday gift!

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What is paraffin wax and why is it in my chocolate candy recipe? Is it edible?

Answer: Paraffin wax, classified as a chemical preservative, is widely used on fruits, vegetables, and candy to make them shiny and pretty as well as to retard moisture loss and spoilage. Waxes are made from vegetable oils, palm oil derivatives, and synthetic resins, as well as other materials. Some people, notably those who are allergic to aspirin, may be sensitive to many waxes, depending on their ingredients.

Yes, it is edible. Paraffin wax is often added to chocolates. The addition of paraffin to the chocolate candy gives it a nice, glossy finish and helps it remain solid at room temperature. Be aware that paraffin is flammable when overheated, so warm it gently in a double-boiler or microwave only to the point where it is melted.

Where can I find it?

You can find paraffin wax, also sometimes called baker's wax or canning wax, in your grocery store where canning jars and supplies are sold. Paraffin is still commonly used (although not recommended) to seal home-canned jellies and jams. However, some paraffin is not intended to be ingested, such as that sold for candlemaking, so check the label.

Gulf Wax Paraseal Canning Wax, Household Paraffin Wax is a popular brand of paraffin used for canning and chocolate-making.

From: homecooking.about.com/od/cookingfaqs/f/faqparaffin.htm