Since I like to have fun and get crafty on Valentine’s Day each year, I decided to make some white chocolate covered pretzels for the boys’ teachers. Did you know that you can melt chocolate VERY easily using your crockpot? Say what? I know, it’s exciting stuff, at least it was for me!
I have tried making chocolate items before, creating a makeshift double boiler on the cooktop. I just always find chocolate to be so temperamental, so I thought what the heck? I did a little research and discovered that using your crockpot (this is the crockpot I use and love) is a nearly fool-proof way to melt chocolate for making delectable treats and candies!
Melting Chocolate with Your Crockpot
You will need a glass container or bowl in which to put your chocolate chips or candy melts (I used candy melts because they happened to be on sale at Michael’s!). Place the bowl or jar in the bottom of the crockpot and add water until it’s about halfway up the outside of the glass bowl or jar.
Take care not to get any water in the bowl of chocolate (it can cause the chocolate to get gritty).
Turn the crockpot on high and leave the top off (to prevent condensation from forming on the lid and falling into the chocolate). Keep checking on the chocolate and stirring as it starts to melt, to distribute the heat. When there are no lumps left; and it’s an even consistency, you’re ready to start dipping!
Dipping the Pretzels
Use a fork to dip the mini pretzels into the chocolate, coating them evenly. Tap the fork against the side of the crockpot (over the bowl) to get rid of excess chocolate. I have found that it works best to place the chocolate covered pretzels on wax paper when you are finished, to make it easy to remove them when the chocolate hardens.
If you are planning to use sprinkles on your chocolate covered pretzels, add them right after you remove them from the chocolate. I dip the pretzel, lay it on the wax paper, and then add sprinkles over top.
Storing your Chocolate Covered Pretzels
After the chocolate has hardened, you can store the pretzels in an airtight Ziploc bag or plastic container in the refrigerator until you are ready to package them up or serve them! I recommend layering the pretzels on wax paper to prevent them from sticking to one another! Let them return to room temperature before serving.
Packaging You Pretzels as Gifts
Since I am giving my latest batch of chocolate covered pretzels as Valentine’s Day gifts, I chose to package them in small circular tins. I found some cute circular doilies with hearts on them that I used to line the tins. I evenly divided the chocolate covered pretzels, and the gifts were ready to go. Aren’t they cute? 🙂
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