Make Chocolate-Covered Pretzels Using Your Fondue Pot

Chocolate-covered pretzels are a fun and easy treat to make at home. They are a perfect blend of sweet and salty and can be made in a fondue pot. You can use any type of pretzel you like, from traditional twists to long pretzel rods or mini twists, and coat them in your choice of chocolate. The process is simple: melt your chocolate in the fondue pot, dip your pretzels, and then chill them. You can even add extra toppings like sprinkles, coconut flakes, or chopped nuts. So, if you're looking for a tasty snack or a fun activity, why not try making chocolate-covered pretzels in your fondue pot?

Choosing the right chocolate

Type of Chocolate

The type of chocolate you choose will depend on your personal preference. Dark, milk, and white chocolate are all popular options for chocolate-covered pretzels. Dark chocolate has a higher percentage of cacao, resulting in a more bitter taste. If you prefer a less intense chocolate flavour, milk or white chocolate might be a better option.

Quality

Selecting a good-quality chocolate is essential for achieving the best taste and texture. Look for chocolate that has a glossy surface, free from blemishes or scars. When broken, it should have a clean, hard snap. The chocolate should also have a strong chocolate aroma, indicating a prominent chocolate flavour.

Ingredients

When choosing chocolate, it's best to opt for one with minimal ingredients. Prioritize options with cocoa or cacao as one of the top three ingredients. Cocoa butter or coconut oil is also a good indicator of quality. Avoid chocolates with unnecessary additives such as soy products, hydrogenated fats, milk solids, thickeners, and humectants, as these may be laden with artificial ingredients.

Certifications

If health and wellness are important to you, look for chocolate products that are certified organic to ensure they are not genetically engineered. Additionally, fair-trade certification is worth considering, as it supports better prices, decent working conditions, and local sustainability for farmers and workers.

Taste

Ultimately, the best chocolate for your pretzels is the one that suits your taste. Don't be afraid to try different brands and varieties to find the one that you enjoy the most. Trust your taste buds and select a chocolate that aligns with your personal preference.

Whether you prefer dark, milk, or white chocolate, choosing a high-quality variety with minimal ingredients will ensure your chocolate-covered pretzels taste delicious. Remember to have fun with the process and get creative with your toppings!

Melting the chocolate

Preparing the Chocolate

Before melting, it is best to chop the chocolate into small, evenly sized pieces or chunks. This ensures that the chocolate melts quicker and more evenly. Alternatively, you can use chocolate drops or chips, which are small and uniform in size, making them ideal for melting.

Choosing Your Chocolate

The type of chocolate you choose will impact the melting process. Chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa butter and fat, such as dark chocolate, melts faster and has a glossier appearance. Milk and white chocolate have a higher sugar content and can burn more easily, so they require constant stirring during the melting process.

Melting Chocolate on the Stovetop

Melting chocolate on the stovetop gives you more control over the process. Here are the steps:

• Fill a medium saucepan with about 4 cm of water and place it on medium heat.
• Bring the water to a gentle simmer.
• Place a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan, ensuring it fits snugly without touching the water.
• Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
• Add the chopped chocolate to the bowl and stir regularly for about 4-5 minutes until melted.
• Remove the bowl from the heat and allow the chocolate to cool slightly before using.

Melting Chocolate in a Microwave

The microwave method is a quick and efficient way to melt chocolate. Here's how to do it:

• Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Microwave for 20-30 seconds at regular or 70% power.
• Stir the chocolate, then continue microwaving in short bursts of 15-30 seconds, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted.

Melting Chocolate in a Double Boiler

The double boiler method is a traditional way to melt chocolate gently and evenly. Here's how to set it up:

• Fill a saucepan with about 1 inch of water and place it on the stove.
• Place a metal bowl containing the chocolate over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water.
• Heat the water to a gentle simmer.
• Stir the chocolate regularly until it is completely melted.

Additional Tips for Melting Chocolate:

• Always use dry utensils and equipment to avoid seizing, which occurs when chocolate comes into contact with water or moisture.
• Chopping the chocolate into small pieces allows for more even melting and helps prevent burning.
• Good-quality chocolate with a high cocoa butter content will result in a smoother finish.

Dipping the pretzels

Now that you've got your chocolate melted and warm in your fondue pot, it's time to start dipping those pretzels! Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your chocolate-covered pretzels turn out perfectly:

• Work in batches: If you're making a large batch of chocolate-covered pretzels, it's best to work in batches. Dip a few pretzels at a time, then sprinkle them with your chosen toppings. This ensures that the chocolate doesn't set before you get a chance to add your sprinkles, nuts, or other toppings.
• Use a fork: When dipping your pretzels into the chocolate, use a fork to submerge them and then tap gently on the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. This will give you a nice, even coating.
• Parchment paper: Don't skip the parchment paper! Line your baking sheets with parchment paper before placing the dipped pretzels on them. This makes cleanup much easier, as melted chocolate can stick to everything.
• Toppings: The best part about making chocolate-covered pretzels is choosing your toppings! You can go classic with sprinkles or get creative with sea salt, crushed candies, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of peanut butter. Have your toppings ready and work quickly before the chocolate sets.
• Drizzle: If you want to get fancy, you can drizzle your chocolate-covered pretzels with a contrasting chocolate. For example, if you dipped your pretzels in milk chocolate, drizzle them with white chocolate or dark chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
• Storage: Once your chocolate-covered pretzels are ready, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for about a week.
• Reheating: If you have any leftover fondue, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Add a little heavy cream to thin out the fondue if needed.
• Fondue alternatives: If you don't have a fondue pot, you can use a regular pot placed on an oven mitt or a slow cooker to keep your chocolate warm while dipping. Alternatively, you can use a tea candle or Sterno fuel to keep your chocolate warm, but be careful not to let it burn.

Adding toppings

• Sprinkles: The classic choice for adding a festive touch to your pretzels. Go for seasonal sprinkles to match any holiday or occasion.
• Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt will enhance the salty flavour of the pretzels and create a delicious contrast with the sweet chocolate.
• Nuts: Chopped nuts such as pistachios, peanuts, walnuts, or cashews will add a crunchy texture and a boost of flavour. You can also use crushed candy, such as Reese's Pieces or M&Ms, for a similar effect.
• Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, roll your chocolate-covered pretzels in coconut flakes. This will add a chewy texture and a subtle sweetness.
• Candy Sprinkles: Take your pretzels to the next level with colourful candy sprinkles. They will not only make your pretzels look more inviting but also add a touch of sweetness and crunch.
• Drizzle of Chocolate: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle your chocolate-covered pretzels with a different type of chocolate. For example, drizzle dark chocolate over white chocolate-covered pretzels or vice versa.

When adding toppings to your chocolate-covered pretzels, work in batches. Dip a few pretzels in chocolate, add the desired toppings, and then move on to the next batch. This will ensure that the chocolate doesn't set before you have a chance to add your chosen toppings.

Storing and reheating

If you have a large batch and want to store them for longer, you can consider freezing them. To do this, wrap and seal the pretzels as mentioned, then place them in the refrigerator for 24 hours before transferring to the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, reverse the process by moving them from the freezer to the fridge and letting them come to room temperature before unwrapping. This method can keep your chocolate-covered pretzels edible for up to a year.

Reheating leftover chocolate fondue can be done on a stovetop over low heat. Stir continuously to prevent burning and add small amounts of heavy cream to thin and rehydrate the mixture as needed.

Frequently asked questions