Chocolate Peanut Clusters

A few inventions are responsible for bringing to life my husbands favorite chocolate candy. Peanut clusters were created of course following the food invention of chocolate which took place via processing of the cocoa bean. This became a popular process around the 1890s.

At the same time that chocolate was becoming popular another food way was being located. The agriculture world had found a way to grow peanuts and process them so that they were easily available to the public.

Confectioners would take the two seemingly random introductions and create a new treat.   Peanuts were easily available ingredient and why not add them to a bit of chocolate. The results was that sweetened chocolate temptation known as peanut clusters. As I stated my hubby love chocolate peanut clusters as well as I can imagine many others do as well.

3 (16-ounce) jars lightly salted roasted peanuts (lightly salted is important!)
2 (4-ounce) boxes German Baker's Chocolate
1 (8-ounce) box Unsweetened Baker's Chocolate (there are 2 in the picture. that was wrong.)
1 (24-ounce) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla (not pictured because I didn't know I wanted/needed it until after the photo)

Stick to the ceramic-style crockpots. We think the metal pots get hot too quickly which causes the chocolate to "bloom" or turn white. It still tastes good, but isn't bright and shiny. 

This makes about 150 peanut clusters. Spray the inside of your crock with cooking spray, and place the unwrapped baking chocolate, and bars of German chocolate in the bottom. 

Add all the peanuts. Pour in the chocolate chips, and add vanilla. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or high for about 1.5. 

While the chocolate is melting, lay out a bunch of parchment paper on your counter top or kitchen table. When time has elapsed, stir well, and remove from heat. 

Use a small ice-cream scoop to plop out bite-sized piles onto the parchment paper.

Let cool before eating---this takes a long time---hours. It'd be best to leave them overnight so you don't pick at them. 

Unless you have much more will power than I do, then I suppose it would be okay. But I sort of hate you.

Package up and give away as soon as possible.

The Verdict.

These are addictive. The chocolate flavor is quite rich, and tastes dark. If you aren't a fan of dark chocolate, use milk chocolate chips. The salt flavor from the nuts is subtle, but is there, and it makes your tongue itch for more.

pretzels can be substituted for the peanuts if you prefer

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