Chocolate Covered Pretzels

My daughter's school book fair happened last week, and along with that came a "book fair carnival."  The school is small, so to kick off the book fair, one of the biggest grossing events for the PTO, we hold a carnival that includes carnival games, face painting and snacks.  All of this is free, so the parents pitch in to make it a fun event for the kids.  This year, my five year old wanted to help make the snacks, and she chose chocolate covered pretzels.  These are so simple, but the kids love them!  And as a treat, they work wonderfully.  You can use whichever chocolates and toppings you like, but these sprinkles seemed festive enough for a carnival!

Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Makes about 24 pretzels

1 12-ounce package of chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening
24 large pretzel sticks
Sprinkles

In a double boiler or in a small bowl over a pot with a small amount of water (the water should not touch the bowl), add the chocolate chips and the shortening.  Turn the heat on medium and stir the chocolate chips occasionally until they are completely melted, and the shortening is incorporated.  Remove from heat.  Using a spoon, ladle chocolate over about 2/3 of the pretzel, letting the excess drip off into the bowl.  Place the chocolate covered pretzel on a cookie sheet lined with wax or parchment paper and scatter sprinkles on the top.  Let sit in a cool, dry spot for at least an hour to let the chocolate set.  Alternatively, you can place the tray in the refrigerator to speed up the setting.

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