Caramel and Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods

INGREDIENTS

For the Caramel: *see Notes for a faster caramel method

1/2 cup

salted butter ((1 stick))

2 cups

sugar

1 cup

light karo syrup

12 oz

can evaporated milk

1/2 tsp

vanilla

Pretzel Rods

16 oz

Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate baking bars (, (I buy four 4 oz bars))