Dark Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites

Just in case you needed an actual excuse to eat chocolate...I've got one.
It's National Chocolate Week.  And that means, you absolutely MUST consume chocolate.

In honor of Chocolate Week, I'll be posting a delicious chocolatey recipe every day.
Today's recipe, just happens to be on the healthy side. 
Peanut butter, pretzels (use whole wheat so you will really feel good about these) and dried cranberries rolled up and dipped in deep, dark chocolate (and we all know that dark chocolate is good for you!).  So indulge...no guilt allowed.

1 cup chunky peanut butter
1/2 cup crushed pretzels
1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
1 cup dark chocolate, melted

Combine peanut butter, pretzels and cranberries in a bowl.


Drop by slightly rounded teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  Freeze for about 15 minutes or until mixture is firm enough to handle.







Gently, but quickly, roll into balls; then freeze for about 30 minutes or until firm.  Dip in melted chocolate, rolling in chocolate until evenly coated.  Place on parchment or waxed paper lined cookie sheet.  If balls start to soften too much, pop them back in the freezer for a few minutes until firm enough for dipping.  Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until chocolate has hardened.



Make about 30 bites.



Crushing pretzels:  Place pretzels in a ziploc bag and seal.  Using a somewhat heavy object (like a meat mallot, measuring cup, wooden spoon) push down on bag gently but firmly, to crush pretzels until they reach the desired consistency.