Dipped Fruit on a Stick

Name: Dipped Fruit on a Stick
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons shortening; 3 medium firm ripe bananas; 3 medium apples; 10 Popsicle sticks; 1 cup finely chopped walnuts; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Paula Marchese's quick and easy dessert idea has been a staple in her family for as long as she can remember. "Our five grown sons loved these when they were tots," she pens from Rocky Point, New York. "Nowadays, it's our two grandchildren who request the flavorful snacks."

Ingredients

2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening
3 medium firm ripe bananas
3 medium apples
10 Popsicle sticks
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Directions

In a microwave, melt chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Peel bananas; cut in half widthwise. Cut apples in half lengthwise; remove cores. Insert sticks into fruit; dip into chocolate, coating fruit completely; allow excess to drip off. Roll in nuts or coconut.
Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 20 minutes. Remove from freezer 10 minutes before serving.