I love chocolate covered pretzels.. LOVE them.

However, over the past few years I’ve noticed that they can’t be found in shops for love nor money! The brand that was everywhere in early 2000 called Flipz has simply vanished. I’ve tried looking for them, I even went on the hunt during my 2004 Florida holiday, that turned up only 2 locations (a pick n mix stall in Beltz and a massive bag for a stupid amount of money at Downtown Disney). Two lonely places.. I find this hard to believe, unless my Wal-Mart navigation is piss poor.

I actually had to resort to making my own in order to satisfy a strong affection (addiction?) for the treat – if you want THE most sublime chocolate pretzel, then I recommend melting a Terry’s Chocolate Orange. Try it, you’ll love me for the suggestion :D

Then came Christmas 2007 and my friend who moved out to Japan came back with a little treat.

They’re called Pocky and come in all sorts of types, the best of which is the so called "Mens Pocky"!

Armed with a new name, I went out on the hunt for these here in Leeds. A few months back I finally discovered a friends shop called Culture Vulture had started to sell them – then I found a second supply, but they turned out to be "Fake" Pocky. Ick.

Apparently they have become massively popular here in Leeds, so I was wondering, how many of you guys and gals are nursing a Pocky addiction and which one is your favourite?

Or, do you have any tips for making the best chocolate covered pretzel in the world?

I’d love to hear from you!