What’s a better combination than nuts and dark chocolate? For me, this is one of my favorite combos.
The more I explore nutrition and fuel, the more I learn how important it is to eat protein with sugar to support your blood sugar levels staying balanced. You can learn more about the science of sugar cravings in this podcast.
This recipe is so simple, delicious and hits the sweet tooth craving spot. It’s a great recipe to make so that you have nutritionally dense sweets around (when you want them), a great dessert to bring to friend’s houses or a homemade gift to share.
Ingredients:
Two cups of your favorite mixture of raw or toasted nuts. I used Trader Joes’ Simple The Best Trek Mix which has cashews, almonds, dried cranberries, dried cherries and dried pineapple. I also added raw walnuts and pecans. Get creative here! Next time I want to try dried candied ginger.
1 cup dark chocolate chips or your favorite chocolate bark. (I love Ghirardelli 60% or 365 Brand chocolate chips)
Sprinkle of sea salt (optional)
Double Boiler
Directions:
In a double boiler, heat up up a pan of water. Place the cup of chocolate chips in the double boiler so they can gentle melt without burning. Continuously stir and watch the chocolate evenly melt. Pay attention to how the color and texture shifts. Notice any urge to snack on the chocolate as you make it—what does it taste like? Notice the smells. Does chocolate evoke any memories for you?
2. Once the chocolate melts, turn off the stove top. Add the cups of nuts and fruit to the chocolate mixture and evenly stir.
3. On a cooking sheet, place parchment paper down, scoop your desired cluster size of nuts/fruit from the chocolate bowl and place on the cookie sheet.
4. Optional to sprinkle a little sea salt on top of each cluster if you like a salty sweet finish.
5. Place tray in the fridge for a minimum of 30-minutes to let the clusters harden into shape.
6. Store your clusters in an airtight container and keep in the fridge or freezer.
7. Enjoy mindfully eating and sharing these delicious clusters.
