Nutty Chocolate Clusters Food

MIXED NUT CLUSTERS

Steps:

• Add the chocolate chips to a large glass bowl and microwave in 30 second increments until smooth, stirring in between each 30 seconds.
• Add in the nuts and stir to coat.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper then add small spoonfuls to the baking sheet in mounds.
• Sprinkle with sea salt while chocolate is still wet.
• Refrigerate until firm.

NUTTY CARAMEL CLUSTERS

Steps:

• In a 1-qt. microwave-safe dish, combine the caramels, butter and milk. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until caramels are melted, stirring once. Stir in the almonds, peanuts and pecans. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets., In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until blended. Spoon over clusters. Refrigerate until set. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

NUTTY CHOCOLATE CLUSTERS

Steps:

• Combine the chocolate almond bark, chocolate chips and peanut butter in a heavy saucepan.
• Cook, over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted.
• Pour in the nuts; stir well.
• Drop by tablespoon onto wax paper.
• Freeze for a couple of minutes to set quickly.
• Store in tightly covered container in the refrigerator.

DARK CHOCOLATE NUT CLUSTERS

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat. Place a teaspoon melted chocolate on baking mat; top with a small handful of almonds. Drizzle almonds with 1 tablespoon melted chocolate. Repeat process with remaining almonds and chocolate. Transfer to refrigerator and chill until firm.

NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE CLUSTERS

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat or with 40 mini-muffin liners.
• If you're using white chocolate, use 6 tablespoons/85 grams butter. For semisweet chocolate, use 8 tablespoons/113 grams butter. Put the butter in a small saucepan, top with the chocolate and cook over very low heat, stirring almost constantly, until smooth. (Alternatively, you can stir in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water or in a microwave-safe bowl in a microwave, stirring in 20-second increments.)
• Meanwhile, toss the cornflakes, cranberries and coconut, if using, in a large bowl. Pour over the melted chocolate and gently stir in with a flexible spatula. Some of the cereal will break - it's inevitable - but keep working until you've coated all of the flakes.
• Use a medium cookie scoop or two spoons to shape sweets either on the lined baking sheet or in the paper liners. Gently press the mixture into the scoop or a spoon, binding the elements, before releasing the scoop or scraping the mixture off the spoon with another spoon onto the sheet or into the liners. Finish with salt and sprinkles, if using.
• Refrigerate or freeze (my preference) for about 30 minutes, or until set, before serving. To keep, cover and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. These are good straight from the fridge or just a few minutes out of the freezer.

NUTTY CLUSTERS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Melt chocolate in top of double boiler over hot, not boiling water. Remove from heat. Cool.
• Cream butter and sugar in large bowl until smooth.
• Beat in egg, melted chocolate, buttermilk and vanilla.
• Stir in flour, soda and nuts.
• Drop dough onto cookie sheet. Bake at 400 deg. for 8-10 minutes.
• Remove from cookie sheet to a wire rack. Frost while still warm.
• Melt chocolate and butter in small saucepan over low heat, stirring until completely melted.
• Add powdered sugar and water, mixing until smooth.
• 3 1/2 -4 doz. cookies.