Nutty Raisin Pretzel Clusters Recipes

CHOCOLATE PRETZEL CLUSTERS

Steps:

• Melt 12 ounces finely chopped semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring (do not let the bowl touch the water). Remove the bowl from the pan and let the chocolate cool slightly, then toss with 3 cups lightly crushed mini pretzel twists and 1 cup rice cereal squares (such as Chex). With an oiled spoon, scoop heaping tablespoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until set, at least 30 minutes.

NUT CLUSTERS

Steps:

• Prepare the caramel mou: Place the corn syrup, sugar and just enough water to melt the sugar into a saucepan and place on high heat. Cook until the sugar is very dark brown and begins to burn. You will see white smoke. Remove from the heat and add the 1-ounce of water. Allow this to cool slightly.
• Place the roasted nuts on a silpat baking mat lined baking sheet.
• Place the butter and cocoa butter in a large heat-proof mixing bowl.
• Prepare the caramel: Place the sugar, corn syrup, Caramel Mou, cream, vanilla bean, butter, salt, and lemon juice in a saucepan placed over high heat. Insert a candy thermometer and cook to 250 degrees F (121 degrees C). Remove from the heat and pour over the butter and cocoa butter. Let cool for 5 minutes. Spoon the caramel over the nuts to make the clusters.
• Place the bittersweet chocolate in a paper cornet or small piping bag and drizzle chocolate over the nut cluster. Serve.
• Jacques' tip: To make a more kid friendly recipe, use store bought caramel squares. Unwrap them and place them on top of the nuts. Put in a warm oven until the caramel melts.

PEANUT RAISIN CLUSTERS

Steps:

• Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water, stirring frequently. When melted, remove from the heat and mix in the peanuts and raisins. Drop the mixture by the spoonful onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat, or pour into a buttered loaf pan lined with plastic wrap. Let set at room temperature until firm and completely cooled. If using a loaf pan, cut up into squares. Store in an airtight container.

WHITE CHIP PEANUT-PRETZEL CLUSTERS

Steps:

• In a large heavy saucepan, melt baking chips and peanut butter over medium-low heat; stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining ingredients., Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper; let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.