Vanilla Bourbon Milkshakes With Spicy Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods Recipes

Steps:

• Combine the milk and 1/3 cup of the Vanilla Bourbon Caramel Sauce in a blender and blend until combined. Add the ice cream and blend until smooth.
• Drizzle some of the remaining caramel sauce into a glass in a decorative pattern. Pour in the milkshake, top with a dollop of whipped cream, and drizzle with more caramel sauce.
• Put the cream in a small saucepan, add the vanilla pod and seeds and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat, cover and let steep while you make the caramel.
• Combine the sugar and 1/4 cup cold water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; stir to combine. Cook, without stirring, until the sugar has turned a deep amber hue, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Remove the vanilla pod from the cream and slowly whisk the warm cream and the bourbon into the caramel. Continue simmering the mixture until smooth, another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter and salt, whisking until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.

Steps:

• Place four 10-ounce glasses in the freezer and line a baking sheet with wax paper. Make the pretzels: Put the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted. Let cool until thick but still pourable, then pour into a short, narrow glass and mix in the vegetable oil. Dip the pretzel rods in the chocolate, tilting the glass and twirling the rods to coat. Transfer to the baking sheet and sprinkle with cayenne. Refrigerate until set, at least 20 minutes.
• Make the caramel sauce: Melt the butter with the brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and cook, whisking, until the sugar melts. Add the half-and-half and vanilla and bring to a boil; cook until thickened, about 3 minutes. Season with kosher salt and let cool.
• Make the milkshakes: Combine the ice cream, 1/2 cup bourbon, the vanilla and a sprinkle of Maldon salt in a blender. Blend until smooth, adding up to ½ cup more bourbon if desired.
• Pour into the chilled glasses. Drizzle with the caramel sauce, sprinkle with more Maldon salt and garnish with the pretzel rods.

Steps:

• In a food processor, finely grind the shortbread. You should have 2 cups crumbs. Add the pecans and confectioners' sugar and pulse until the nuts are chopped. Transfer to a large bowl.
• In a small saucepan, bring the bourbon to a boil. Remove from the heat and add 3/4 cup chocolate chips. Stir until smooth. Pour into the pecan mixture and stir until well-combined. Form into sixteen 1/2-inch balls.
• Place the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips in a resealable plastic bag. Microwave in 20 second increments until melted, squeezing the chocolate in the bag to evenly melt. Snip a small hole in one corner and drizzle the chocolate onto the balls. Refrigerate in an airtight container until firm, at least 2 hours and up to 1 week.