Witches’ Brooms

Note: These fall somewhere in between Easy and Intermediate. They’re actually really easy, but involve several steps. You can make the brooms up to a day ahead, store in an airtight container, and then decorate when you’re ready.

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a medium bowl, beat brown sugar, butter, water and vanilla until blended. Stir in flour and salt. Shape dough into 20 (1 1/4-inch) balls.

Place pretzel rod halves on ungreased cookie sheets. Press a ball of dough onto the cut end of each pretzel rod. Press dough with a fork to resemble the “bristles” of a broom.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until set but not brown. Transfer to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Cover cookie sheet with waxed paper. Place brooms on waxed paper.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons of shortening for 45 seconds, then check and stir. Continue to microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until completely melted.

Spoon melted chocolate over brooms, leaving about 1 inch at the top of the pretzel handle and the bottom halves of cookie bristles uncovered.

In another microwave-safe bowl, repeat melting process with the butterscotch chips and remaining 1/2 teaspoon shortening. Drizzle with melted butterscotch chips.

Let stand (or place in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes) until chocolate is set before storing.