Chocolate Peanut Butter Coated Apples

12 wooden ice cream sticks
12 medium apples, stems removed
1 package (10 ounces) peanut butter chips
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
2/3 cup cocoa

Chopped peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, vanilla chips or flaked coconut, optional

1. Insert wooden stick into each washed and dried apple. Cover a baking sheet or tray with waxed paper.

2. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, stir together peanut butter chips and oil. Microwave on high 1-1/2 minutes or until chips are softened. Stir until melted.

3. Stir together confectioners' sugar and cocoa; gradually add to melted chip mixture, stirring until smooth. Microwave on high 1 minute or until very warm.

4. Dip apples three-quarters way into mixture, twirling to remove excess coating. (If coating becomes too thick, return to microwave for a few seconds). Roll coated apple in chopped chips or coconut if desired. Allow to cool on prepared baking sheet or tray.

Yield: one dozen apples.