First, let me get your attention.  Three ingredients.  Ten minutes.  That’s it.

Second, I do not like one of the ingredients.  They are something I have to be “in the mood” for and I am rarely in the mood for these guys.  I am referring to pretzels, the crunchy little kind.  To me, they taste like the flavor I imagine cardboard to possess.  I avoid them at all costs.  I remove from Chex Mix and discard them in the trash.  Of course, there are good versions of pretzels that do exist.  For instance, the bread-like kind glazed with butter and giant pieces of salt that you might find at the mall.  That’s a pretzel.  (Please note that I have been diagnosed with a bread disorder.  For more details, please see recent post on Artisan Bread.)

While at my friend Gretchen‘s house in early December, she made these delightful little pretzel treats.  There was my usual objection as soon as I heard the word pretzel but Gretchen insisted.  She is pretty persuasive because I agreed to try them (although secretly I thought they could not possibly be any good).

You are about to find out exactly why I am able devour these pretzels with no qualms whatsoever.

Hershey’s Hugs.

and sweet, candy coated chocolate M&M’s.

(Notice how those last two items are sugar/chocolate items?  Those are the two very good reasons that I will fervently consume pretzels.)

Since we are in the season of L.O.V.E., I used Valentine M&M’s.  Back at Christmastime, we used the gorgeous holiday ones.  I snapped some photos and had the good intention of blogging about them back then but the holiday season got the best of me.  I decided that I could make them for any holiday using the appropriate M&M’s so I didn’t fret a whole bunch.

That is the fantastic thing about these treats.  You could make them anytime, using any variety of chocolate M&M’s.  Regular multi-colored ones. (Gorgeous!)  Easter. (How pretty!)  Fourth of July. (How patriotic!)  The list goes on and on.  The variety of M&M’s provides a colorful way to…(I can’t believe I am thinking this…eat pretzels!…but really)…to make these delightful treats for any occasion.  Thank you Gretchen!

So, if you are ready, here are the details.

First, pre-heat your oven to 170 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Spread out the pretzels.  Unwrap the Hugs and place one on each pretzel like so…

Next, pop them in the oven for about 4-5 minutes.  Watch them carefully.  You just want to melt the Hugs so they begin to flatten.  Mine got a little too melty this time but still worked out fine.  Remove from oven.  Insert an M&M into the center of each like so…

Then, if you live in the frozen tundra like I do (and it’s February) you can set the tray outside.  They just need to be chilled for about ten minutes.  You could also set the tray in your freezer or refrigerator, wherever you have the space.  The M&M will attach to the Hug and the Hug will harden, making a sweet little pretzel treat.  Enjoy!