Halloween Treat Recipe: Lucky Black Cats

Materials Needed

20 large pretzel twists
12 ounces chocolate chips
10 chocolate squares
40 green candy-coated chocolate pieces
20 pink hard candy hearts
1-1/2 cups chocolate sprinkles
black food color or a black food color marker
5 chocolate licorice whips

Yield: About 20 pieces

1. Line the pretzels in rows on a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper.

2. Melt the chocolate in the microwave at 30 second increments until the chocolate can be stirred smooth, about 1 minute total. Transfer the chocolate to a disposable piping bag with the tip snipped (you may also use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped).

3. Pipe the chocolate into each of the pretzel’s openings until the inside of the pretzel is completely covered in chocolate. Smooth the surface evenly with an offset spatula.

4. Cut each chocolate square into four even triangles. Arrange two triangles on the top portion of the pretzel for ears (Image 1). Press them gently into the melted chocolate. Position the green candy-coated chocolates just under the ears for the eyes (Image 2).

5. Add the pink hearts in the centers of the pretzels for the cat's noses.

6. Spoon chocolate sprinkles over the pretzels and let stand until the chocolate firms, about 1 hour (Image 1). You may also speed the chocolate's setting by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. When the chocolate is set, pick up each pretzel and tap away the excess chocolate sprinkles (Image 2).

7. Use a fine tipped artists’ brush and black food color to paint pupils onto the green candies.

8. Cut the licorice whips into fine strands with a pair of kitchen-dedicated scissors. Dip the ends of the strands into melted chocolate and affix beside the pink heart candies for 'whiskers'. Let dry for 10-15 minutes before serving.

9. Arrange the candy on a large platter, use them for chocolate cupcake toppers, or bag them in cellophane and tie with festive ribbon.