Chile-Chocolate Pretzels

2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 teaspoon cayenne
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
36 pretzels

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate, cayenne and vegetable shortening. Microwave on 50 percent power for 1 minute, then remove and stir. Continue this process in 10-second increments until mixture is smooth and blended. Dip the pretzels in the chocolate one at a time, making certain to coat both sides. Place coated pretzels on wax paper, then chill in the refrigerator until hard.

Makes 36 pretzels.

Approximate values per serving (1 pretzel): 78 calories, 4 g fat, 1 mg cholesterol, 1 g protein, 10 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 111 mg sodium, 43 percent calories from fat