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
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.
These are one of my very favorites and my husbands too. I need to try this out, thanks.
I love giving gifts like this or having them for guest. Adding a sweet touch to the nuts is a great idea!
I love the combination of nuts and chocolate. This would make a great gift or treat for our family party
These are definitely perfect gifts for the holiday season. I love chocolate with anything but definitely with nuts. Such a treat anytime. YUM!
Food gifts are my favorite because I feel like they have more meaning – I’ve actually spent some time making the gift rather than just paying for it. I’m not saying that you can’t buy a meaningful gift but food is how I spread my love 😉 These nut clusters look fantastic, something I’d love to gift myself haha
What a lovely unique festive gift! I would be happy to receive these, they look delicious!
I love how easy these are to make. Wrapped in some pretty wrappers would surely be a great homemade treat to give out for the holidays.
Chocolate nut cluster have always been one of my favorite chocolate treats. Yum!
Oh my! I bet these are delicious. What a great addition to my cookie platter this year 🙂
Would you like my address now? OMG…these are fantastic!
I’ll take some in my goodie package please!
I love that these are so easy! Thanks for the tip about the white chocolate. I think you are right – it would make a pretty drizzle on top 🙂
Weirdly, I’m one of those people who isn’t a big fan of chocolate UNLESS it has other things like nuts mixed in. Then I love it! So these are right up my alley!
Definitely adding these to my gift tins and party trays this year! I love giving homemade food gifts, and I know my friends will love these Chocolate Mixed Nut Clusters! They look fabulous!
Yes please! These look so simple and so delicious. Anyone would love to get these as a food gift.
Love making candies for the holidays, and these sound delicious!
A classic – and a tasty one! Perfect bite sized treats.
What a perfect gift! So simple but elegant.
These look delicious and sound so easy to make!
These are so simple, but so festive. Thanks for sharing, Ellen.