It’s still the holiday season. No, it ain’t over yet.

I’m stretching it out for as long as I can.

Christmas just didn’t seem like Christmas to me this year.

I dunno why.

I dunno how.

Just didn’t.

So, I’m gunna make up for it these next few days and enjoy a little holiday cheer before the New Year on Sunday.

I’ve been making lists. Should I go sweet or savory? Gourmet or Au Natural? Cookies or Cupcakes?

My initial thought was to wow ya’ll with some fancy schmancy apple cherry pie that I made for Christmas (but I forgot to take a picture)… and then last night I had an epiphany.

I could make something that might impress you outwardly or I could make something that I know, hands down, was quick, easy and absolutely delicious that you could create in a few minutes in your own kitchen.

I’m sure you’ve all got some dark chocolate and peanut butter lying around your pantry and some pretzels hanging around somewhere, too.  So why not make good use out of them and put ’em to work.

I guess when in doubt, go with something you trust.

Something that’ll impress your New Year’s Eve guests.

…and something that’s stood the test of time in many of our good ol’ kitchens.

Folks, I bring you today the dark chocolate covered pretzel.

It’s not fancy and it’s not gourmet but it’s loved by adults and kids alike.  I remember eating dark chocolate covered pretzels when I was a kid from our town chocolate shop. My mom loved them and she would let me take a bite of the beautifully dipped n’ delicate chocolate coated pretzel.  They actually were called ‘Chicken Legs’ at this chocolate shop because they would dip the pretzel rods in chocolate and then into lots of other fun ingredients so they were thick n’ chock full of sweetness.

Well, these sure ain’t no Chicken Legs but I assure you they’ve earned a permanent spot on my dessert menu.

I’ve experimented in the past with plain ol’ chocolate covered pretzels but found that the dollop of peanut butter really ads a nice touch to these rods.

Did I mention that making these is a breeze?  You don’t need to haul out your Kitchen Aid mixer or any gear, just a simple pot to melt your chocolate and peanut butter and a nice wooden spoon.

These make me so happy.

So, so happy.

And earlier this week I just wasn’t feeling my usual happy self.

I dunno why going back home where I am surrounded by family and friends makes me feel lonely and always seems to end with tears in my eyes. It’s a soft subject but there always seems to be some uneasyness when I’m back home at my family’s home at the shore.  I guess it’s just me.

I guess it’s always just been me.

Because I’m the only one with the tears and the hurt inside.

It’s just odd.

You’d think going home to be with family would put you at ease, put you in a relaxed state, put you away from all the craziness of Manhattan and life.

But it doesn’t.

It just makes things worse.

And I really wasn’t ready for it this year.

Especially after my trip out to LA last week and the excitement of Martha Stewart Radio.

But that’s okay.

Life has it’s ups and downs.

And as I approach 30 I’m learning more and more.

Sometimes we just want to be close, we just want a hug, we just want some love.

Because as much as I love my tiny Manhattan apartment, I don’t get any hugs or love.

But that’s okay.

I’m happy being in Manhattan and I wouldn’t change a thing about my life right now.

It’s good to know that after you travel and you don’t feel like yourself, all you have to do is open the tiny door to your cozy apartment take a deep breath and smile.

Now I’m back in NYC and after a full day of walking around Tribeca and Soho I feel alive and well and back to my good ol’ self.

Just a little dose of Manhattan was all I needed to dry my eyes and welcome in 2012.

Happy New Year.

Thank you for an amazing 2011; I love all of you. Thank you for being such amazing readers and for all of your support.

2011 has been the most difficult year of my entire life so far and your comments helped me make it through the tough times.

Here’s to 2012.

Lots of good food, laughs and good times.

I’m sure hoping that’s the way this year will roll.

Aren’t you?

xo

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Covered Pretzels

Gluten-Free and Vegan

Makes 10

Ingredients

• 12 oz. vegan dark chocolate
• 2 Tbsp. organic peanut butter
• 10 gluten-free pretzel rods

Directions

1. Prepare a baking sheet with tin foil.
2. Melt dark chocolate in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Add in peanut butter; mix well until completely melted and mixed, approximately 3-4 minutes.  Remove from heat.
3. Dip 10 pretzel rods in melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place onto tin foil.
4. Set aside for 10 minutes or until set.
5. Enjoy.