So remember how I joined the gym?
You know, for health and all that?
Well, my friends forced me to take a Zumba class. FORCED. As in MADE ME DO IT.
Ok, they didn’t actually force me, but they were all doing it and…yeah…I gave into peer pressure.
I guess if all my friends jumped off a bridge I would too. Sorry parents.
Well, Zumba is this cardio workout that is a kind of Latin-dance-inspired. I am not of “Latin” origin…and I have significantly less rhythm than the average person, so suffice it to say, Zumba was a challenge for me.
The class started off bad and ended worse.
The instructor had hip-action to spare, but was unwilling to loan any to me. Luckily I was smart enough to find a spot in the back with low visibility.
When the music started I can say with no uncertainty that the astute words of Gloria Estefan could have never been more wrong. The rhythm most certainly didn’t get me.
The women that surrounded me were essentially the Nancy Grace to my Kate Gosselin, but in the moment I felt like their booty shaking rivaled Beyonce. My white girl knee bends and step touches were an embarrassment to the music that blared through the speakers.
Every once in a while I would get a move down and feel proud…until I watched myself in the god-forsaken mirror. It was kinda how you feel if you have had too many margaritas and think you’re a JLo back up dancer…
I left the class feeling humiliated and sweaty, a combination that I don’t recommend.
Everyone says, “No, stick with it, you’ll learn the moves.” Really now? All I learned in that class is that my childhood disconnect with Cha Cha DiGregrio was not because she was a boyfriend thief, but because she was an expert Merengue-er. It was like a full circle moment.
The combination of not having “moves like Jagger” nor the desire to “sweat ’til I bleed” coupled with my fear of public humiliation mean my Zumba days are over.
Please don’t try and convince me I am wrong, because I have never been more right…acceptance is the most important step, yes?
Now, sometimes when I feel embarrassed and/or humiliated I try to go to my happy place. So basically the entirety of Zumba class I inhabited said happy place. For me that means thinking about cakes and brownies and sugary food. It’s just what I do.
So the idea for these easy treats were basically a coping mechanism to get through the hour of Zumba.
I posted THESE a while back. My mom used to make them and they are an all-time favorite snack in our house. I decided to give them a fun Christmas twist.
They couldn’t be any easier.
Here’s what you do…
Unwrap a bunch of Candy Cane Kisses.
On a parchment lined baking sheet lay out some waffle-style pretzels and place a Kiss on top.
Pop the baking sheet into a 300° oven for 2-2 1/2 minutes and remove. Just until the kiss starts to get glossy.
Squish another pretzel on top of the melty Kiss. If the Kiss is still hard in the middle, place back in oven for 20 seconds.
Pop in the fridge for 15 minutes to set. That’s it!
[print_link]
Recipe: Candy Cane Pretzel Kisses
Ingredients
- 2 bags of Kisses (Candy Cane or any flavor), unwrapped
- 1, 1 lb bag of waffle-style pretzels
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place approx 120 pretzels on a large baking sheet about 1/2 inch apart. (You can use 2 baking sheets if you don’t have a large enough one…you don’t want them too crowded)
- Place unwrapped Kiss on the pretzel.
- Place baking sheet in oven for 2- 2 1/2 minutes until Kisses are glossy.
- If Kiss is still hard in the middle place back in oven in 20 second increments until soft.
- Press another pretzel on top sandwiching the kiss.
- Place baking sheet in fridge for 15 minutes to set.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Variations
There are many variation of this, feel free to try another flavors of Kisses.
Hi! I’m Shelly and I’m an addict. Of the buttercream sort. I started this site a few years ago as a way to justify my sugary, buttery obsession with desserts. It has worked out well for me so far, because as it turns out you guys all love sugary, buttery desserts too! It feels good to know you are not alone, doesn’t it? 
YUM!!! These look amazing!!
Elizabeth recently posted..Pumpkin Bread
Every year I see these all around the sphere…and this year, I need to remember to make them when I need something FAST to throw together and don’t want to do any (more) hardcore baking
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga recently posted..Time For A…
What a cute creation! I’ve never seen them before and they look really festive! As for Zumba, I totally understand. It’s super hard to get those moves and you sort of flap about before you finally get the routine. Sigh. These will help you cope for sure!
Brittany recently posted..2 Year Blog Anniversary!
I’ve never seen the waffle pretzels before! I love the candy cane kisses though!!! LOL!
Snyder’s of Hanover makes them
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/snydersofhanover_2183_4807237
I think I’m going to have to take this one step further and dip half of it in dark chocolate. It’s just the kind of girl I am.
I’d probably eat the whole batch of those. What a great idea!
Fallon recently posted..Oat Bran with Agave-Cinnamon Apples and Dried Cranberries
These kisses are the best…I was eyeing them at Target the other day. I usually do this recipe with the circle pretzels but was having trouble finding them. I am happy to have a back up in the waffle pretzels!
Yum!!!
I’ve been to Zumba as well…and thank goodness I have some dance experience or I would have felt like a total dweeb. It is not as easy as people make it seem and took me numerous classes to feel somewhat “comfortable”. That being said it is fun- but yes it’s best not to look in the mirror- I avoid it at all costs!
these are SO cute!
Heather (Heather’s Dish) recently posted..Carrot Pineapple Muffins
Looks yummy~ Now why do I not have any Kisses in my house so I can make these right now!? =P
Oooo, love these kisses and pretzels…. can’t wait to try them together!
Emily ~SoDomesticated~ recently posted..Sour Cream Pie with Orange Cranberry Sauce…
I’ve joined the Zumba ranks, but I never look in the mirror. You know I’m as white as they come.
Although I’ve gotten somewhat comfortable with those moves, I’ve been trying the Cardio Dance Party class they offer at my gym. I definitely hide in the back during that class. I know I have no future as a hip hop dancer! That class just makes me feel stupid, but somehow it’s still fun. What does that say about my self-esteem?
And this is a recipe I can get behind. 2.5 minutes in the oven? Woo hoo! Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely adorable! Please send me the leftovers
Jessica recently posted..San Francisco
These are my fav Christmas candy! I haven’t bought any yet because well… the bag would disappear!
Blog is the New Black recently posted..Happy Thanksgiving!
Simple, easy and delicious- love it!
Pretty sure I’d have the same issue in a Zumba class. It would be extremely embarrassing.
Lauren at Keep It Sweet recently posted..Cheesecake Party!
These are just the cutest! Can’t wait to get my hands on these!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar recently posted..Oatmeal Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Your posts always make me laugh, smile or spit my coffee on the screen! Thanks for making my day always! And I love your recipes!
Love easy recipes like this!
Well at least you tried, there is no way on God’s green earth that I will ever try it, in public. WII at home, maybe, but probly not! And I am so upset I saw those kisses just yesterday and was all, I would never use those. Sigh, I was wrong.
sue @ Cakeballs, cookies and more recently posted..Sugar cookies for kids to decorate
I have friends that keep trying to get me to come to Zumba…after reading this I am so glad that I have resisted their peer pressure!!! My non dancing white girl body would be in so much trouble too!!! I think I will stick to baking with you….much happier indeed:-)
Jocelyn recently posted..Chocolate Mint Donuts
I’m totally with you on the Zumba thing. I tried doing a workout dvd that was basically a lot of flailing around like a chicken with no head. I was not only embarrassed for myself, but for the poor ladies on the dvd….and I was at home, with no one watching! My sister used to go to a yoga class and would tell me stories of all the gas people have at very unfortunate times during the workout. I think I’ll stick with working out in my home…no one needs to hear/see/smell, that!
I have a friend who teaches zumba.
TEACHES it.
I went once, and OMG it was terrible. I was so lost and my hips move all jerky and my knees and elbows flail about.
Yes I said FLAIL. Not a sexy word, is it?
Cookbook Queen recently posted..Giant Mallo Cups
Love this kind of thing!
Great receipe!! My mom and I almost have the same receipe except we use Rolos instead of kisses and then we smush walnut halves on top after they come out of the oven. These are great to make especially for this time of year, but I’m loving the candy cane kisses instead.
That is so creative and so cute!
Joy recently posted..A Twist to Thanksgiving
I just found your blog from pinterest a few weeks ago and love it! I can’t wait to try one of your recipes, I love how easy they are!
I love that your recipe’s are simple and tasty. I could do most of them quickly and the kids will all love them.
JenMarie recently posted..A Tale of Four Pies
These look so ridiculously good! I HAVE to make these.
Absolutely incredible and festive.
val recently posted..Lunch at the lake
At least you tried Zumba. I am terrified (to say the least). Everyone keeps telling me “oh you won’t feel alone, there will be people new to it too”. But I don’t care. Why would I want to feel embarrassed when trying to do something good for myself. No thanks.
Instead I will stay home and make these yummy treats. And I can play Latin music while doing it.
I bet these would be delicious dipped in chocolate!!!
I took a zumba class for a long time until my favorite instructor left. She was a zumba nazi. And even though I looked AWFUL doing it, I totally know what you mean about feeling like you look like a pop star in the moment. It’s weird. I bet you burned off enough calories to eat quite a few of these babies, though! yum. The candy cane kisses are my favorites!
Joanne recently posted..Recipe: Moroccan Butternut Squash and Chickpea Tagine with Quinoa
Great recipe!!!! As far as Zumba…..that ranks high on my list just as getting attacked by a swarm of killer bees…
LOL I’m total WHITE girl dancer…No skills… LOL
All of the above look so YUMMY… Key Lime Pie is by far my most favorite with the exception of Pecan Pie.
These look yummy! Try a Krav Maga self defense class..you’ll learn to kick butt and get the best workout! No coordination required:)
they are so simple, I really enjoy recipes like this ones!
betty recently posted..Pineapple Upsidedown Cake
Very quick to make and they are so festive!
Angie@Angiesrecipes recently posted..Thai Style Salmon Fritters
Gawd. I am sort of obsessed with chocolate dipped pretzels. Just a little.
Okay. A lot.
Thank you, thank you for this easy peasy way to make them…I am so getting these kisses at the store today!
Also, I’ve reallyyy been wanting to try zumba…totally because all my friends do it…but A. I am in the same rhythm lacking boat as you and 2. no zumba in my little city.
Maybe in our next tour we’ll get somewhere all classy and modern that has zumba. One can only hope…or not. At least this way, I save myself the humiliation of people witnessing my complete lack of grace while in movement to music.
Darla | Bakingdom recently posted..Streusel Topped French Toast Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream
So it seems I am the only Zumba lover to comment…lol. I love Zumba! Back when I started I felt the same way you do, but I LOVE to dance so I stuck with it and got pretty good at it. I almost became an instructor but decided to have a baby instead
These pretzel thingies look amazing. My husband and I are on a diet but we might have to sneak a couple of these babies as a nice treat.
Ok so I was contemplating doing Zumba but since I am a white girl with NO and I mean NO rhythm I think I’ll skip it and sit home and eat these instead. They are so CUTE!!!!
Christina @ Ovenadventures recently posted..Apple Cider Bars
These look really cool. But I get stumped on the very first ingredient. What exactly are candy cane kisses? I don’t think we have them down here in Australia, so I’ll need to find something similar. They aren’t just candy cane pieces are they? Or are they like those strawberries and cream candies?
David recently posted..Hot weather reminders
They are Hershey’s Kisses, butt hey have come out with a minty white chocolate version. Hope you can find them!!
Certainly do thank you for the wonderful recipe…..sounds delish, BUT I thank you MOST OF ALL for your thoroughly entertaining Zumba story. I am still laughing….I
Just finished making two batches of these.
I got my husband to unwrap the kisses (with minimal escapees).
I did one batch with the caramel kisses and one with dark chocolate.
Looking good!
Paula Zsiray recently posted..Red Hot