So, I had seen a super-easy recipe for making chocolates with almonds, and I wanted to give it a try. After buying the ingredients, I set to work making this:
Now, I realize what this looks like, but it isn’t, I promise! I got this recipe from Jen Yates of epbot.com. This is one of the simplest treats you can make. Melt some milk chocolate chips in a glass bowl in the microwave (about 1 minute to a minute and a half should do it). Stir until creamy. Stir in the ingredients of your choice: nuts, dried fruit, seeds, coconut… Whatever you like. These are Cashew Clusters, with cashew pieces and milk chocolate. Once everything is stirred in together, scoop out spoonfuls onto a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet or plate, then refrigerate until set (maybe 20-30 minutes).
I also made some really yummy ones with dark chocolate chips (not semi-sweet!), macadamia nuts and coconut. I’ve been waiting for YEARS for some company to market this mixture, but so far, nobody has. They are so good! I call them Aloha Clusters. I’m trying to keep from eating them until I can take them to work on Monday to share. I’m trying really, REALLY hard!
My first batch was almost a disaster, because I left it in the microwave too long, and it started to burn. Luckily, it was easy enough to scoop out the burnt bits, and use the rest. So, if you make this, don’t cook it too long! Burnt chocolate really stinks. 😉
