Excuse My Drooling, It Isn't Intended For You

   Can we talk about chocolate covered pretzels for a moment? Of course we can; who doesn't want to talk about this little gift from God to the pretzel World!
   In particular, I am referring to the chocolate covered wonders found at your local Starbucks. Now, it should be mentioned that I am not one to promote the $5.00 cups of coffee or the pretentious way the patrons order a coffee or the insulting way they package up irregular shaped pieces of wood and attempt to convince you they are in some way more special then other deformed pieces of wood you could stack (true story), BUT man them pretzels are goooood!
    I am sure other fine establishments make their own version of the breath takiing chocolate covered pretzels, however, there is something about the exquisite morsels found at Starbucks that has my full and complete attention. All Starbucks jokes and stereotypes aside, let's hone in on the beauty of this delectable treat.
   It's worth noting the pretzels in question have three distinct layers of glorious goodness. First you have a salty, dry, crunchy pretzel stick; not one of those tiny little ones you can stuff a couple dozen in your mouth at once either (at least I can)! NO WAY! I'm talking a real pretzel, about a half inch in diameter and a half dozen or so inches long! Then dip the pretzel into a vat of ooey gooey caramel so it envelopes the salty stick, so when it cools it forms a thick, sweet, chewy protective coating for the precious salt inside. If that weren't enough, let's now take this already awesome snack and dip the sucker in milk chocolate!! Who doesn't love anything covered in chocolate?!? People eat insects dipped in chocolate, far beit for a pretzel to seem odd!
   What you are left with is this soft and chewy yet, hard and crunchy, salty yet, sweet, taste and texture sensation in your mouth. At is all pulled together with the silky sweetness of milk chocolate. WOW! It's an incredible blend of textures and tastes that is confusing and delightful all at the same time. Flavors seem to be war...yet...not. It isn't a sophisticated culinary masterpiece (not sure the Starbucks brain trust would agree), but it is a fantastic example of how food can be a delightful blend of conflicting textures and tastes.
   All and all this not so unique treat is one of my favorites. One I have a hard time passing up when they sitting there waving at me through the showcase glass at my local Starbucks. Try one today! Take your time and savour the various simple components coming together in one tasty adventure.

My Two Cents
Jamie