Pretzel sticks don’t get much respect. They’re neither burly like rods nor twisted like knots.
They deserve more than a toss into the snack bowl. Make them a key player at your Oscar viewing party (7:30 p.m. Sunday on ABC): Employ them as edible pickup sticks, replacing toothpicks. Think of the time you’ll save not fishing errant toothpicks out of the sofa or shag carpeting.
And think of pretzel sticks as conversation starters during long acceptance speeches.
Here are some ideas to get you started. (When dealing with firmer foods - cheese, peanut butter cups - use a wooden skewer to poke a hole for the pretzel.)
Meatballs: Mix 1 pound ground beef with 2 tablespoons fine breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon beaten egg, 1 tablespoon minced onion (or use a favorite recipe). Using a scant 1 tablespoon, roll mixture into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees, about 20 minutes or until browned. Drain meatballs on paper towels. Cool slightly. Spear each with a pretzel stick.
Cheese: Let cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Muenster) come to room temperature; cut into 1-inch cubes. Spear with pretzel stick. Small, fresh mozzarella balls also work.
Sausage: Cook or grill Italian, bratwurst or Polish sausage according to package directions. Allow them to cool enough to handle, then cut crosswise into 1-inch chunks. Spear cut surface with pretzel stick.
Cheese-stuffed olives: Choose larger blue- or feta-stuffed olives. Anchor pretzel in the cheese.
Sweet: Truffles are chic, but miniature peanut butter cups are much simpler. Remove foil wrapper, add pretzel, remove paper cup.
Food, Pages 32 on 02/26/2014