A Side of {Pretzel} Fries!

My little doll had a birthday party recently (OK, 2 birthday parties) and it was inspired by the Lalaloopsy Dolls. If you are not familiar, Lalaloopsy Dolls are fun, funky, and whimsical dolls (although I wish they were not so plastic - their heads are huge and could be a weapon). I love the crazy colors of their outfits and the two dolls my daughter has just really inspired me to go forth with this theme (I talked her out of a Tangled theme. I do love that movie though).

When I do a party or event I like the details to be more subtle, with maybe one or two literal translations, that is why I always say "inspired-by."

I used the colors and fun spirit of the dolls to create the party.

Now, Jules LOVES rod pretzels,

and I have made pretzel wands for years,

but I wanted something different...

then I remembered Jenn had purchased the Fry Box Die

from Lifestyle Crafts (and I have the Epic 6),

and so it was a match made in heaven -

PRETZEL FRIES!

This is so fun...and better yet...super easy!

SUPPLIES

(Disclaimer - I am not technical or fancy...I like to work with what I have, so this is what I did and used).

• Pretzel Rods or Thick Pretzel Sticks (I had purchased the long rods already, so I used those and broke them in pieces)
• Melting chocolate - your choice of color. I used white (available at craft and most party supply stores)
• Sprinkles

 TOOLS

• Glass measuring cup
• Microwave
• Spoon
• Wax Paper
• Aluminum foil
• Cookie sheet

OPTIONAL - for presentation

• Epic 6 Letterpress
• Fry Box Die
• Nesting Bloom die
• Ric-Rac or ribbon
• glue dots or double stick tape

(use the code 504MAIN to get 20% off at Lifestyle Crafts)

DIY IT!

1. Prepare your pretzels. There is not much prep required other than opening the bag if you buy the shorter pretzels. In my case I had to break the pretzels in two.
2. Line the counter with wax paper/cutting boards/something to protect the counters. I had a piece of wax paper for dipping the pretzels; a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil for rolling the pretzels in sprinkles; and more wax paper (laid out on the counter) for laying the pretzels on to harden/dry.
3. Place melting chocolate wafers in microwave safe glass measuring cup and heat according to package directions (typically, microwave on low for 30 seconds to one minute, stir, and repeat and short time intervals, stirring until smooth and melted.).
4. When melted, remove from microwave.
5. Dip end of each pretzel into the chocolate (I only covered 1/2 to 2/3 of the pretzel and in the case where I broke the pretzels in half, I covered the broken end).
6. Give the pretzel a slight tap on the edge of the measuring cup to shake off excess chocolate.
7. Dip or roll in sprinkles.
8. Place on wax paper to dry.

PRESENTATION

As mentioned I used my Epic 6 and the Fry Box Die Cut to "fancy-up" my presentation the fries. The majority of the fry boxes were not decorated at the party, just a few. (I simply ran out of time). Read more about the Lifestyle Crafts NEW Dies.

I am sure you could find paper fry bags at a restaurant supply store or a store like Smart and Final (but I LOVE my die cutter, just sayin'). Then decorate them using purchased die cuts or embellishments from the craft store.

1. Cut die out of black cardstock and assemble fry box using perforations and directions.
2. Cut a medium size nesting bloom out of a corresponding cardstock (I used a piece of letterpress paper I had made previously).
3. Wrap ric-rac or ribbon around fry box and secure in back with glue dot or double stick tape.
4. Attach bloom die cut on front of box using glue dot or tape.
5. I do think I should have added a sweet button to the middle of that die (buttons were a reoccurring element in the party details too).

You have any special party tricks up your sleeve?

More party details coming soon!

Disclosure: I am in an affiliate program with Lifestyle Crafts</a>