CHOCOLATE Clusters

These hugely yummy treats are made from health-building nuts, seeds, nutrient-rich fruit and dark chocolate

Chocolate Clusters

To make these little delectables, you will need:

• 350 grams 75% dark chocolate
• About 2 cups (or more) assorted nuts, such as: walnuts, almonds, cashews, macadamia, pecans, hazelnut, etc.
• 1/4 cup assorted seeds, such as: pumpkin, sesame, flaxseed, chia, etc.
• 1/2 cup assorted dried fruit, such as: unsweetened sliced apricot, cherry, cranberry, blueberry, etc.
  

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Break up chocolate into large pieces.  Place chocolate pieces in a small sturdy pot on the stove and set heat to lowest setting.  Allow chocolate to melt slowly and fully stirring to help it along.  Gradually add nuts, seeds and dried fruit to pot reserving about 1/4 portion from each selection for topping.  

Thoroughly mix nuts, seeds and fruit together with chocolate adding more to achieve desired thickness.  Remove pot from heat.

Meanwhile, cover a tray (or two) with plastic wrap.  Using a baking spoon, scoop out chocolate clusters by tablespoon full dropping them onto the waxed sheet

Use remaining nuts, seeds and fruit to sprinkle on top of clusters while they are still warm and sticky.  Repeat with a second tray if needed.

Place trays in fridge for approximately 20 minutes to allow clusters to cool and set.

Store in a sealed container in fridge (or freeze).  These clusters should not be left out at room temperature for long.

Makes about 4 dozen chocolate clusters.

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Tip: Chocolate is finicky.  If it comes into contact with even the smallest amount of water, it will seize.   Make sure that the pot and spoon you are using are fully dry and that you heat at the lowest setting possible. 

Photos by Trinity Nutrition