So, full disclosure here…I joined the gym. I know I gripe and moan here about exercise all the time, so I am sorry…I feel like a Judas.
It’s against everything I stand for, but I did it anyway.
Sometimes you just have these moments of insanity and when acted on…well, you are either bungee jumping or joining a gym.
I have been going now for a whole week…I mean, not everyday…easy, now…but enough.
I try and take classes so I am required to stay there for at least the duration of the class, otherwise, left up to my own devices, I meander around doing a bicep curl here, and a leg lift there.
The other day I arrived a little late and missed my class…so, I kinda stared at the equipment and hopped on the first thing I saw and understood, the treadmill. Nothing is worse than getting on a piece of gym equipment with no idea how to use it. I have, one too many times, pretended to know what I am doing on one of their contraptions only to look like a complete fool trying to do a sit up on a leg-lifting machine.
So, yes, the treadmill.
Now, I’m gonna let you into my twisted mind…this is kinda embarrassing, so please, laugh WITH me.
Every time I get on the treadmill I pretend that I am in Rocky 4. Please, I know.
So yeah, I get on the treadmill and pretend that I am in the Rocky 4 training montage. Which, just happens to be the best training montage in cinematic history.
Sometimes, in my treadmill daydream, I am Rocky, and my treadmill becomes a snowy Siberian mountain where I am pushing myself to climb higher! I’m carrying a yoke on my back and Pauly is cheering me on. Other times I am Ivan Drago, sans steroids, running around a high-tech, 80′s training facility with Bridgette Neilson pushing me and calling me “WEAK”. I mean, Bridgette Neilson is pretty scary and I have to focus on keeping her only Pre-Flava-Flav Bridgette, because I don’t want my eyes to bleed all over the treadmill. It takes mental AND physical strength.
When I am roused from my Rocky-like focus I usually look down on the treadmill to my comfortable 3.5 mph and feel like I could beat the Russian and win over the fans.
I wish I was kidding about all of this, I really do…but every time I step on a treadmill…every time I harness my inner Italian Stallion/Ivan Drago. I mean, I want to say, “I must break you” in the heat of the moment just once in my life…but alas my life is not filled with any conflict that requires “breaking” another person.
So anyway, I joined a gym…the end.
Now onto some fun bark I made.
I used some spooky candy eyes that you can get HERE, but this can certainly be made at any time of the year. I also used White Chocolate Candy Corm M&M’s on this too. I have been on the search for those since I heard that they were out, but they can only be found at Wal-Mart…but certainly, use regular old M&M’s if you want!
Here’s what you do…
I made this similar to the old favorite, Saltine Toffee. I lined my baking sheet with foil, then I boiled some butter and brown sugar together and poured it over the pretzels. Then I baked it up for 10 minutes. All very easy.
When it cooled only slightly I decided to melt some white chocolate and spread that over top.
Then I melted some semi-sweet chocolate and spread that on the white…
While the chocolate is wet press some toppings on…I used the Candy Corn M&Ms, some mini Oreos and some spooky sugar eyes.
To make the eyes stick on some of the Oreos I just dipped them in a little chocolate and stuck them on.
After you’re done sticking on your toppings…which you could completely forgo altogether…pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes until the chocolate has set.
Remove from fridge and cut it into pieces!
Now, go make this…don’t make me break you! There! I said it!
[print_link]
Recipe: Pretzel Toffee
Ingredients
- 1 bag mini pretzels
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 3 cups white chocolate, melted
- 2 cups semi sweet chocolate, melted
- Oreos, M&Ms and spooky eyes ( all optional) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350
- Line your baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with non stick spray
- Spread your pretzels all over baking sheet..they can overlap, no problem.
- In a medium saucepan melt your butter and brown sugar together. When mixture comes to a boil let it boil for 2 minutes.
- Pour directly over pretzels.
- Bake for 10 minutes and remove from oven.
- Melt white chocolate and spread over pretzel/toffee mixture and then repeat with the semi-sweet chocolate.
- Garnish as desired.
- Let chill in refrigerator for 15 minutes until chocolate is set and then remove and cut into pieces.
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? 
This looks seriously amazing. I want a big ol’ hunk of it.
Also, I am a Rocky fanatic. Rocky 2 is my favorite. That last fight is such a nailbiter.
Cookbook Queen recently posted..Cute Vampire Cupcakes (McCormick Giveaway)
Oh my goodness gracious! This looks like the perfect combination of sweet and salty and sassy to boot!!!
Robyn | Add a Pinch recently posted..Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Recipe
Yummy!
I think I could kick butt on the treadmill if some of this was waiting for me afterwards.
Amy recently posted..Fall Exploring
I just love the Oreos with the eyes – so much fun! And this sounds super delicious, too.
Brenda @ a farmgirl’s dabbles recently posted..Bacon Mushroom Cheeseburger Soup
How fun are these!?!
I just got back into working out and it’s a nightmare at first, but does get better. I walk the entire crater I live in, and pretend there are zombies behind me, just so I’ll finish… extreme? Yes, but it works! Anyway, I also wanted to let you know I mentioned the new site, That’s What She/We Said! on my latest blog post. Hope it can bring some new readers on over : )
Emily ~SoDomesticated~ recently posted..Candy Corn Sugar Cookies…
Adorable – love the mini oreo faces! Good luck with the gym. Hope it lasts longer than my 2 week stint!
Kristen recently posted..Teflon Golden Anniversary Pan Giveaway
Ha Ha! Sometimes when we’re on a hike(with backpacks), and it gets steep, my husband pretends like we’re climbing Mt. Everest (his dream!).
I have some mini oreos and eyeballs just waiting to be made into this! So CUTE~I love it!
Sue recently posted..Spider Cookies
At least it’s not the “Over the Top” montage getting all pumped up to arm wrestle! However, I may arm wrestle you for this wonderful treat!
Karyn recently posted..Mummy Pretzels
OMG!! I LOVE THAT ONE TOO!!! I think I am just a cheesy training montage freak, though!
yes I am always looking at your recipes but they are great! everytime you come up with something really delicious!
betty recently posted..Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Muffins
I didn’t realize the white chocolate candy corn M&Ms were only sold at Walmart. I was just at a supercenter today! The bark looks adorable.
P. S. Have you tried the elliptical at the gym? It is way better than the treadmill!
Love those eyes!! And I love the pretzels in there.
Nothing like coming home from the gym and whipping up a knock-out treat!
Paula recently posted..Apple Pie with Pumpkin Spice Crumble Topping
lol…….I just RE-committed to the gym again last week….a never ending battle between me and “it” I come to realize that #1 my body isn’t the same it was when I was in my twenties and early thirties…I HAVE to work out
So sad! But as for the spooky eyes pretzel bark…it looks like a match made in sweet and salty heaven 
Mighty Morgan recently posted..Pumpkin Image in Cupcakes
Ma come ti vengono queste idee, ogni volta che pubblichi qualcosa resto a bocca aperta…
Lara recently posted..Una corona per una pricipessina
Congrats on the gym commitment.
Mmmmmm………….
Ahaha so fun! Can’t wait to try this
Katrina recently posted..Coconut Curried Sweet Potato and Chickpea Soup
Now it’s confirmed why I love your blog so much…a Rocky reference, and the very best part out of the best Rocky movie!
I have been making a list of your recipes that I want to try, and I’ll be adding this one to it
oh my goodness, the workouts i would do if i knew this was waiting for me at home!
Heather (Heather’s Dish) recently posted..Mom’s Perfect Cornbread Dressing
You are so funny! I am still laughing at your Bridgette Neilson comments..lol Glad to hear you joined the gym. I drag myself there three to four times a week and do the classes too because they make me work and it definitely has made me feel so much better.
This bark is awesome; it looks adorably spooky and totally yummy:)
Raina recently posted..Spicy Pumpkin Bars
rocky 4! love it. love the bark too–are the candy corn m&m’s candy corn flavored???! or just the colors…?
michelle recently posted..mini neapolitan pancake cakes……!
They are candy corn-ish flavor….they’re really super sweet!
So cute, and looks SO yummy! Love it!
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray recently posted..Apple Cider Muffins: The Secret Recipe Club
I am seriously lovin those cute little eyes on the mini Oreos
And yes I feel like a champion when I break the 3.5 m on my treadmill too! lol
Katrina @ In Katrina’s Kitchen recently posted..Guest Post: Carrot Cake from Laura of Paper Eudaimonia
I totally get the Rocky thing. While I’m running I have to pretend I’m in a marathon with people cheering me on.
This bark is awesome. I love the little eyes!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted..Witches’ Brooms
Love, Love LOVE this!!
the bark looks great.
joy recently posted..Marx foods Mystery Box
Awwww I can’t get spooked from something so cute – and I can definitely eat it
I love this! So totally cute! I seriously need to find some of those candy eyes!!!
Erin @ Making Memories recently posted..{Secret Recipe Club} Cinnabun Cheesecake
Those little eye balls are too cute and I love anything that involves pretzels and chocolate, that salty sweet combination always gets me.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen recently posted..My 7 Links Challenge | A Look Back
You’re hilarious. I am in the midst of trying to join one… I’m holding out because of all of the initiation fees and trying to find other excuses… but I’ll probably buckle soon enough.
Georgia Pellegrini recently posted..“Blueberry Brie Galette”
I too have joined the gym and I love that you pretend that you are in Rocky 4. I actually play air drums and perhaps sing *out loud* a little to my ipod. (whatever works, right?)
Wenderly recently posted..Greek Style Chicken & Potatoes
I don’t know if that’s more adorable, or more delicious. Let’s just call it a tie!
The oreos look like the black version of cookie monster. I think they are adorable and the entire dessert is filled with fun. Thank you so much for the recipe. I can’t wait to surprise my kids with this.
Helen recently posted..how to get a girl to like you
Oooh, this bark has the perfect sweet and salty thing goin’ on! Love it!
Erika – The Teenage Taste recently posted..Celebrate National Dessert Month!
This LOOKS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good!!! Love salty and sweet…I could just live with toffee pretzels!
SweetSugarBelle recently posted..Leggy Little Witches
I totally love this! Cute and versatile depending on what you want to put on top! I am glad I am not alone…I too love Rocky. I have music from the moves on my ipod and I totally agree that Rocky 4 workout scene is the best ever : ) I sometimes imagine I am in Rocky 1 running through Philadelphia LOL
I have never seen candy corn m&m’s!! Where can I get me some of that love?? And a secret confession from me…I would pretend I was in a Rocky 1 man-tage…I mean montage …when I was on the treadmill, too! Was on the treadmill…it’s been so long we don’t even know each other anymore *sigh*. You can have a piece of bark for me, miss treadmill…make it a big one:)!
Jessie B. recently posted..Pumkin Cookies
This looks amazing…thats all I can say about it!
i’ll need to get my butt on the treadmill after seeing this. i have a slight addition to bark and make with pretzels and eyeballs, oh baby!
Christina @ Ovenadventures recently posted..Maple Bacon Cinnamon Buns
i’m soooo not thinking Rocky when i’m on the treadmill . . . nope . . . i thinking, ‘when in God’s name is the oxygen mask going to drop???!’
SMITH BITES recently posted..MOVIE BITES: FLAMING PUMPKIN JUICE COCKTAIL
Can’t wait to make this tonight ! I found the sugar eyeballs at meijers today near the wilton section.
It says to bake for 20 minutes above by the picture but then says to bake 10 by the recipe for the pretzel toffee part. Which is the correct time please?
10 minutes! Sorry about that…typo
Thanks for the catch!
hee hee look at those spooky eyes! Happy Halloween!
Angie @ Bigbearswife recently posted..Southwest Pasta
This is fabulous! I LOVE it!
Kim @ The Celebration Shoppe recently posted..not so spooky vampire cookies
Heavenly Chocolate Bliss! Thanks for sharing! ~Dee
Oh my gosh…so cute!!!
bridget {bake at 350} recently posted..Strike While the Cookie is Hot . . . Works for Me Wednesday
I made this over the weekend with the kids and it was great! I had trouble melting my white chocolate chips – any tips?
Connie recently posted..Fall tricks and treats
I always melt white chips with a double boiler.. I have burnt too many in the past
Can white “Candy Melts” (Wilton brand) be used in place of the white chocolate (I have some left from when I made some dipped pretzel rods)? For the chocolate, are you using regular chocolate chips? This looks like fun, and I would like to make some for the grand-kids.
Thank you for sharing.
You could definitely use those!
Omg! I just made this and it’s awesome!!! Instead of Oreos, I used candy corn. Yummy!!!!
Okay girl, I made this for our class party today. Totally yummy, but, as often happens to me when I make regular toffee, the layers kind of split apart on me when I tried to cut it/ break it into pieces. Do you know this happens?!? Help me out!
I can bake/make all sorts of things but this always drives me crazy!
angie c recently posted..A Giveaway – Poema Creations Necklace
That’s so strange WHat kind of chocolate did you use, maybe that makes a difference? Also, maybe spreading the chocolate on when the toffee is warm is key…i wish I knew, because that didn’t happen at all to me the multiple times I have made it