1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tsp. vegetable shortening
25 twisted pretzels
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Equipment: Small glass mixing bowl, measuring cup and spoons, rubber spatula, waxed paper.

Combine chocolate chips and shortening in a mixing bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir with a rubber spatula. Microwave on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until melted; stir until smooth. Carefully remove chocolate from microwave. Place a sheet of waxed paper on the counter near the bowl of melted chocolate. Dip pretzels into the melted chocolate and place on the waxed paper. If you like, sprinkle with chopped nuts. Let pretzels stand at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, about 1 hour or place in refrigerator for about 15 minutes. Makes 25 pretzels.