Candied Fruit Platter

• Assorted fruit: sliced apples and starfruit, peeled quartered kiwifruit, cubed fresh pineapple, dried apricots, dried sliced pineapple and apples, and fresh strawberries, grapes and sweet cherries
• Caramels and Tootsie Roll Midgees
• Pretzel dipping sticks
• 1 package (11-1/2 ounces) milk chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons shortening, divided
• 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 pound white candy coating, chopped
• Toasted coconut and finely chopped pecans, optional

1. Prepare fruit; pat dry with paper towels. Microwave unwrapped candies, one at a time, for 10 seconds each. Wrap softened candies around strawberries and pretzel sticks as desired.
2. In a microwave, melt milk chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons shortening; stir until smooth. Repeat with semisweet chocolate chips and remaining shortening. Melt candy coating; stir until smooth.
3. Dip fruit and pretzels into melted coatings; decorate as desired. Sprinkle with coconut and pecans if desired. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set.

apples, caramels, milk chocolate chips, shortening, chocolate chips, coating, coconut

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/candied-fruit-platter/ (may not work)