(ARA) - The next time you’re invited to a holiday party, and asked to bring something along, instead of slaving over a hot stove for hours, why not wow the crowds with a tasty holiday-themed creation you whipped up in no time. Decorative pretzel rods take just minutes to make, but leave a lasting impression.

“Christmas cookies have gotten so much attention over the years, people have pretty much forgotten about the longstanding tradition of decorating pretzels, but it is making a comeback,” says Claude O’Connor, vice president of marketing for Snyder’s of Hanover, a pretzel company based in Hanover, Pa.

The pretzel’s association with Christmas can be traced all the way back to 610 A.D. As the story goes, it was only a few weeks before Christmas when a monk working in the monastery bakery in a small village in the Alps saw children playing outside in the snow and thought it was too bad they weren’t interested in coming to church to learn their prayers.

He thoughtfully twisted some leftover dough into a shape that looked like children with their arms folded in prayer and promised them a Pretiola (which means “little reward” in Latin) if they came inside and said their prayers. It worked, and soon the Pretiola found its way into Germany and Austria where it became a symbol of excellence used to reward worthy accomplishments.

Throughout the centuries, people have used these Pretiolas, or pretzels, to decorate their homes and trees for the holidays, and as party snacks or gifts for friends or co-workers.

Here are some easy recipe ideas:

* Holiday Pretzel Rods

Ingredients:

4 ounces chocolate, vanilla, butterscotch or caramel-flavored candy coating

12 large Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzel Rods

Toppings (chopped candies or nuts, coconut, or crushed cookies or candy canes)

Directions:

1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Melt chocolate, white chocolate, butterscotch morsels or caramels according to package directions. Dip Snyder’s of Hanover pretzel rods into melted liquid, covering at least half of the rod. Allow excess coating to drip off.

2. Sprinkle dipped pretzels with assorted toppings such as chopped candies or nuts, flaked coconut or crushed candy canes. Drizzle with additional melted coating if desired. Place onto prepared baking sheet; let stand until coating is firm. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.

3. There are all kinds of other decorations you can try. Let your imagination be your guide. How about crushing up your family’s favorite cookie to use as a topping or adding sprinkles, colored sugar or festive silver nonpareil balls?

* Reindeer Rods

Ingredients:

4 ounces chocolate, vanilla or butterscotch-flavored candy coating

12 large Snyder’s of Hanover Olde Tyme pretzels

12 Snyder’s of Hanover pretzel rods

24 miniature semisweet chocolate chips

12 red candy-coated chocolate candies

1 roll fruit snacks

12 miniature green candy-coated chocolate candies

Directions:

1. Place candy coating in 1-cup microwavable measuring cup. Microwave uncovered on high 30 to 60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds, until melted.

2. Dip pretzel twists into melted candy coating. Place on waxed paper. Let stand until coating is set.

3. If necessary, rewarm coating. Dip top 2 inches of pretzel rod into melted candy coating; attach pretzel rod to bottom of pretzel twist. Place on waxed paper.

4. To make reindeer, press on chocolate chips for eyes and red candy for nose using melted candy coating. Cut scarf from fruit roll; attach to reindeer using candy coating. Press on green candy for button using candy coating. Place on waxed paper. Let stand until coating is set. Store coated pretzel rods loosely covered at room temperature no longer than 2 weeks.

* Pretzel Wreath

Ingredients:

Snyder’s of Hanover minis

Glue

Ribbon

Directions:

Glue one layer of Snyder’s of Hanover minis together in a circle like a wreath, then glue a second layer on top of the first joining the pretzels together over the middle of a pretzel on the first layer. You can weave ribbon between the holes if you like then hang with a ribbon.

Making holiday rods and wreaths isn’t just something to do for a party. It can be a fun family activity too. Your kids will have a great time dipping and decorating their own pretzel creations. You’ll not only be prepared for all those holiday parties, but you’ll have a fun way to spend time with your family during the busy holiday season.

Look for Snyder’s pretzel rods and twists at your local supermarket or visit www.snydersofhanover.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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