Storing chocolate pretzels properly will maintain their shelf life.
Whether chocolate-covered pretzels are purchased at the grocery or homemade right in your kitchen, they are a delight to the taste buds. If you purchase this sweet and salty treat, there's little you can do to maintain their freshness other than keeping them stored in an airtight container at the correct temperature. If you decide to make this treat at home, you can ensure through that the finished product won't become hard or stale too quickly.
If stored properly, chocolate-covered pretzels can last for several months and taste just as good and fresh as the first day they were prepared.
Instructions
1. Store chocolate used for melting in a cool, dry place. Experts from Ghiradelli recommend storing tightly wrapped chocolate in a temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees F. Avoid temperatures over 75°F as this will cause the chocolate to "bloom," changing the chocolate to a grey color.
2. Melt the chocolate for your pretzels properly so that the end product will help to maintain freshness. The recipe may call for melting in a microwave or a double boiler; however, in using any method, melt the chocolate slowly between 108 and 115 degrees F to avoid scorching.
3. Embed a candy thermometer in the chocolate to monitor its heat while melting. If chocolate melts under high temperatures or too rapidly, or it has come in contact with water, it will seize, forming hard lumps.
4. Place wax or parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Place the dipped pretzels and allow the chocolate to set for at least two hours.
5. Store your finished product in an airtight container between 55 and 70 degrees and if possible in a room (or pantry) that has less than 50 percent humidity. Place the pretzels on wax paper in a single layer and use wax paper in between each row before sealing the lid securely.
Tags: airtight container, between degrees, chocolate-covered pretzels, finished product, maintain their