Chocolate Mixed Nut Clusters
Years ago when I started making holiday tins and trays I did it because I wanted to remember those who help us all year. People like the staff of our pediatrician’s office, our postal carrier, our vet’s office, you get the point. Those you wouldn’t buy an individual gift for typically but still want to remember.
When thinking about food gifts there are a few things to consider like how many will your tray need to serve? Are you looking for a variety or will one type of candy or cookie do? What I love about cookies and candy as food gifts is the recipes make quite a bit so it’s easy to give a bit of variety.
These chocolate mixed nut clusters make about 20 if you make them small, fewer if you make them large like I did in the photos. I’ve made nut clusters many times in the past but I’ve only used one type of nut. Peanuts, almonds, pecans so I had a tin of mixed nuts and decided to try it. I loved this new variety. I’m a milk chocolate lover so I used good quality (Ghirardelli) milk chocolate chips.
But if you like other nuts or dark chocolate feel free to mix it up. My only advice would be to NOT use white chocolate as your primary chocolate. I find it doesn’t melt well. Rather, use it to drizzle on top of your clusters for a nice presentation.
Many of my food blogger friends are also sharing food gift ideas from seasoning mixes to drink mixes to oils and snacks. Something for everyone on your gift list.
Chocolate Mixed Nut Clusters
Chocolate mixed nut clusters make a delicious holiday hostess gift.
Ingredients
- 10.3 ounce can mixed nuts
- 11.5 ounce milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon Crisco shortening
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
- In a heavy pan over low heat melt milk chocolate chips and shortening, stirring frequently until almost melted. When almost melted continue stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Add mixed nuts and stir to coat all nuts with chocolate.
- Drop by tablespoonful onto prepared baking sheet. Chill in refrigerator until set. Store covered in refrigerator.
Can I use butter flavored Crisco instead
I think it will alter the flavor. Regular Crisco is the better option, in my opinion.
I take a bag of peanut butter chips and one of milk chocolate chips and melt in microwave. Watch closely or it will burn and get too stiff. Add chopped nuts and drop by spoonful onto wax paper
Oooh! That sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it!
Chocolate and nuts together, one of my favorite combinations! Bonus points for being such an easy recipe. Definitely going to make these.
The perfect combination and definitely easy enough to make too!
Simple, delicious and perfect for giving!
These are so fun and with only three ingredients, this is a perfect recipe to make for holiday gifts. Will have to make a couple batches to give to neighbors.
I’m such a fan of nut clusters as well. They do make the perfect gift!
What a great idea to use mixed nuts. Definitely trying this one.
I love that thie recipe has only 3 ingredients! Great work and yes perfect for Christmas gifts. Cheers
YUM! These look so good and yes, they make for a super delicious, fun holiday gift. I’m always a fan of edible gifts — especially when they’re chocolate!
I love the idea of making candy from scratch. Homemade is always best and I’m sure the nut clusters taste delicious!
This is a great idea for gifts! I love these!
I always make food gifts for the holidays and every year I try to change it up. These are on my list this year to make for sure! Thanks for sharing!
These would be great to put in a small tin as a gift or even just a goodie bag! It’s so easy, too!