Triple-Treat Pretzel Wands

Step 1: Butter a large baking sheet; set aside.

Step 2: Spread nuts in an even layer on a plate; set aside.

Step 3: In a heavy medium saucepan, heat and stir caramels and whipping cream over medium-low heat just until caramels are melted. Reduce heat to low.

Step 4: Hold each pretzel rod by one end over the pan and spoon hot caramel mixture evenly over three-fourths of the pretzel; shake off excess.

Step 5: Roll coated part of pretzel in nuts, turning to coat all sides.

Step 6: Place pretzels on prepared baking sheet and let stand about 30 minutes or until caramel is set.

Step 7: In a small heavy saucepan, melt vanilla-flavor candy coating and 1/2 teaspoon of the shortening.

Step 8: In another small heavy saucepan, melt the chocolate-flavor candy coating and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon shortening.

Step 9: Carefully spoon each candy coating mixture into a heavy resealable plastic bag. Snip off a corner of each bag.

Step 10: Transfer pretzel rods to a sheet of waxed paper. Drizzle some of each mixture over the caramel and nuts on each pretzel, turning pretzel to coat all sides.

Step 11: Return pretzels to baking sheet and let stand about 30 minutes or until firm.