Homemade Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods

Happy Holidays, Astoria!  Hope that everyone is enjoying some quality time with the ones you love.

In preparation for tomorrow's family party at my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's house, I decided to make these gourmet, hand-dipped pretzel rods.  Originally wanting to make gourmet chocolate bark, I changed my mind at the last minute when I realized I had all these amazing toppings at home and went with the sweet/savory combination instead.

Deciding to preserve the Utz's packaging, I dressed it up with some festive holiday paper and stuffed the decorated pretzels back into the container.  I can't wait to see how they're received tomorrow, but I've already had a happy guinea pig (aka Dan) tell me that they've passed the test with flying colors. Hope you enjoy making your own variations.

Homemade Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods

Ingredients:
Large container of Utz's old fashioned pretzel rods (you can use any brand you like, but I like Utz's since they're nostalgic for me)
1 container of dark chocolate melting wafers (such as Ghirardelli brand)
1 container of white chocolate melting wafers (such as Ghirardelli brand)
1/2 cup of artisan toasted coconut chips
1/2 cup of craisins, chopped
1 cup of maple bacon bits
Colorful sprinkles or non pareils
Truffle salt
Chopped walnuts

Directions:
Melt chocolate wafers in the microwave until silky smooth (about 1 1/2 minutes).
Dip each pretzel rod in the chocolate individually and then sprinkle with your favorite topping, above.  You can also use any other topping you'd like.

Lay dipped pretzel rods on a parchment lined cookie sheet and then place into the fridge for about an hour, or until the chocolate sets.  Place back into the pretzel rod container and serve.