Sweet Stuff : Dark Chocolate Cherry-Almond Clusters

 

Doesn't just the name of these morsels just make your mouth water? Let me tell you, it's hard to just eat one! I just LOVE the combination of dark chocolate and dried cherries. They are the perfect combination together. 

Even though I know I am eating something sweet, I like to know that it is "semi" healthy as well. There is added benefit of eating dark chocolate that is at least 70% cacao and these sweets contain almonds that are packed with minerals, protein and healthy fats. Almonds are also one of the best known sources of Vitamin E. So go ahead and have 1...maybe 2!

 

Recipe

 

1 cup whole almonds, chopped and toasted

1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
6 oz dark or bittersweet chocolate (60-70% cocoa), finely chopped

1. Chop the chocolate into a small bowl. Microwave on High for 30 second intervals until chocolate has melted. 

2.Stir fruit and nut mixture into bowl and mix well. 

3. Spoon heaping TB sized clusters of the chocolate mix onto wax or parchment paper lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Refrigerate until cool about 20 minutes. Store and serve at room temperature.

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Who likes to change it up?

~If you don't like dark chocolate try this recipe with milk or white chocolate.
~Use chopped peanuts instead of almonds.
~Replace cherries with dried cranberries.