Chocolate Nut Clusters

These chocolate nut clusters are a favorite treat in my family.  We make them not only to have as a snack, but to also give away as part of a gift to friends and family.  It can be a frugal treat depending on how you make them.

You are going to use a 4 ounce bar of 70 -85% dark chocolate as well as a 12 ounce bag of semi sweet chocolate chips, coconut oil, and a mixture of nuts and seeds. 

 In order to melt your chocolate you need to create a double boiler.  I use a pan that my metal bowl fits into.  Bring your water to a simmer.  Turn off the heat.  Place your metal bowl over the pan.  

In this pan add your chocolate bar, broken up, 3/4 bag of chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.  Any oil will work here, I just prefer coconut oil. 

Let this set until it begins to melt.  

Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. 

Remove the metal pan from the pot of warm water.  Add the remaining chocolate and stir until smooth.  

Place in the desired nuts, seeds, or whatever you decide to add.  I used pistachios, almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, sunflower kernels and unsweetened coconut.  Stir the mixture.  Add more until coated to the thickness of chocolate that you desire.  

Spoon onto parchment paper in bite size mounds.  

Let set until the chocolate is dry.  Remove from the parchment paper and store in an airtight container.

These clusters make a good, frugal gift depending on what you add into the mixture.  Peanuts and sunflower kernels are inexpensive and delicious coated in chocolate. 

You can package them in little plastic bags with a label, holiday treat bags, containers that are part of the gift, or any other way that will work with your gift.