Posted by bizimouse 6/13/01 2:31:22 pm

2 (11 1/2 ounce) packages milk chocolate chips
1 cup crushed toffee pieces or packaged toffee bits
1 cup salted peanuts
1 cup halved pretzel sticks
1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes (optional)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1 teaspoon shortening (do not use butter,
    margarine, spread or oil)
Paper candy cups (optional)

Line a 9-inch square pan with plastic wrap. Place chocolate chips in large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100 percent) 1 minute; stir. If necessary, microwave at HIGH an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating just until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Immediately add toffee bits, peanuts, pretzels, and coconut, if desired; stir to coat. Spread mixture into prepared pan; cover with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate 45 minutes or until firm.

Place white chips and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 1 minute; stir. If necessary, microwave at HIGH an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating just until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Using fork, drizzle white chips mixture over chocolate mixture in pan. Cover; refrigerate 5 minutes or until firm.

Bring to room temperature. Remove chocolate mixture from pan and place on cutting board, top side up; discard plastic wrap. Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares. Place each square in a candy cup, if desired. Store in covered container in a cool place. Makes about 3 dozen squares.

Chocolate Toffee Haystacks
Prepare chocolate mixture as above. Instead of spreading square pan, drop chocolate mixture by slightly heaping tablespoons onto wax paper-lined cookie sheet or tray. Refrigerate until firm. Melt white chips as directed above; drizzle over "haystacks."