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Macadamia Nut Clusters


I made these little tasty morsels today to try to satisfy my sweet tooth.  I haven't been eating sugar lately and then suddenly last week, we celebrated two birthdays with birthday cake and now I crave sugar everyday.  Once I start, I can't stop!  So, I'm hoping these little treats will help me get back on track.  These are made with 72% dark chocolate that I buy at Trader Joe's so it's semi-healthy sugar.

Amazon.com : Trader Joe's Pound Plus 72% Dark Chocolate 17.6 oz. : Candy And Chocolate Multipack Bars : Grocery & Gourmet Food
Dark chocolate that is over 70% cacao has less sugar and is rich in antioxidants, flavanols and minerals so if you're going to eat sugar, this is the healthiest kind to eat.  And it's delicious so it totally satisfies me.  This recipe is similar to the Inside Out Almond Joy treats I made for Valentine's Day and they are very easy to make, too.  When I get off track on my eating, I get real off track.  This recipe is from Hannah Freese, RD and she emphasizes eating her meal plans 80% of the time.  But when I go off the meal plans, it's hard for me to get back on track.  That's when I need something like these macadamia nut clusters to get me back on track and my sweet tooth is once again satisfied but now with a healthy dark chocolate option and a healthy fat from the macadamia nuts.  Try these, you'll like them.



Make approximately 16 clusters

5-1/2 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup macadamia nuts or may also use almonds
1/4 tsp. coarse sea salt
optional toppings:  dried fruit, shredded coconut, hemp seeds or sesame seeds.  

1.  Place the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.



2.  Microwave for one minute, then stir.  Return to the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time, until all the chocolate has melted.

3.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Arrange the macadamia nuts into groups of five or six nuts.



4.  Scoop the melted chocolate over the top of the nut clusters until each macadamia cluster is covered. Sprinkle with salt. 


5.  Refrigerate for a least 20 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.


 

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