These festive chocolate and peanut butter-covered apples make great fall party treats.

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Apples

10 medium-sized tart apples, stems removed
10 wooden ice cream sticks
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or use butterscotch flavored chips)
1 (10-ounce) package peanut butter chips - divided use
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening - divided use (do not use butter, margarine or oil)

1. Line cookie sheet with wax paper.
2. Insert wooden sticks into each washed and thoroughly dried apple; place on prepared cookie sheet.
3. Place chocolate chips, 2/3 cup peanut butter chips and 1/4 cup shortening in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 minute; stir. If necessary, microwave at HIGH an additional 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, just until chips are melted when stirred.
4. Dip bottom three-fourths of each apple into mixture. Twirl and gently shake to remove excess; return to prepared cookie sheet.
5. Place remaining 1 cup peanut butter chips and remaining 2 tablespoons shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 30 seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave at HIGH an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, just until chips are melted when stirred.
6. Spoon over top section of each apple, allowing to drip down sides. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Makes 10 apples.