Ingredients:

Vegetable oil for deep frying

4 Twinkies, frozen

2 slices bacon, halved

1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a deep fryer according to the manufacturer’s directions or in a large saucepan, over medium heat, until the oil reaches 375 degrees F.

2. Wrap each frozen Twinkie with half a slice of bacon. Use skewers or long toothpicks, as needed, to secure the bacon.

3. Carefully deep-fry a bacon-wrapped Twinkie until the bacon is fully cooked, 1 to 2 minutes, turning to cook evenly. Remove from the oil and set on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Repeat with the remaining Twinkies. Allow to cool slightly.

4. Pour the chocolate chips into a deep microwave-safe glass bowl. Microwave on high power (100%) in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is melted.

5. Frost each bacon-wrapped Twinkie with the melted chocolate. Serve immediately.

Tip:

If desired, garnish with stripes of melted white chocolate and finely chopped crisp, cooked bacon or bacon bits.