Hubby Chubby Truffles (Peanut-Butter Pretzel Truffles)

By: Cindy

This week all you hear about on television is about buying a TV or what foods to make for a Super Bowl party, that's why we are following suit and posting great recipes for your Super Bowl gathering.  I wanted something that was super!!  I came across this recipe a while back and copied it because anything that has hubby chubby in the title is super.  Most foods made for the Super Bowl party are salty and savory but you have to have something chocolate at every party.  These are small round balls that are covered in chocolate so they would be easy to pick up and pop in your mouth, no fuss - no mess.  My hands were covered with chocolate so it is a little messy but that's what's great about baking - licking your fingers and cleaning out the bowls.  I always let the kids lick the bowls but now that they are gone I do rather enjoy getting to have that chore. lol

1 1/2 cup pretzel pieces

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 T butter, at room temperature

2 T light brown sugar

3 T powdered sugar

1 cup milk or semisweet chocolate chips

1 T vegetable shortening

Put the pretzel pieces into a plastic bag and crush into very small bits (a rolling pin works great for this).

 

In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, butter and brown sugar.  Stir until all of the ingredients are completely blended and smooth.  Add the pretzel bits to the peanut butter mixture and mix thoroughly.  Add

the powdered sugar and mix until completely combined. 

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.  Using a small cookie scoop, or about 2 teaspoons worth of peanut butter mixture, gently shape into a ball with your fingertips.  Place the balls on the wax paper.  It makes about 18 balls.  Refrigerate and chill at least 30 minutes. 

When ready to dip the balls, microwave the chocolate chips and shortening together in a small bowl or mug at 50% power in 30 second increments, stirring after each, until completely melted and smooth.  Working one at a time, dip or drop into the bowl and cover with chocolate using a fork to pick it up.  They are fragile so be very careful.  Place on cooling racks over waxed paper so the chocolate can drip off underneath.  If you want to garnish your chocolate balls, put about 1/2 cup of smooth peanut butter in a plastic baggie and microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds until it is melted.  Cut a small hole of the baggie corner and drizzle the peanut butter over the tops of the chocolate balls. You could also crush a few more pretzels and sprinkle that over the chocolate balls.  Return the balls to the refrigerator again and chill.  Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator.  18 chocolate balls is not very many so you might want to double this recipe.

 

(recipe adapted from brown eyed baker and make happy)