Homemade Chocolate Peanut Clusters are the easiest edible gifts to make over Christmas! Slow cooker OR stove top and only a handful of ingredients!
Aside from baking over the holidays, making Chocolate Peanut Clusters or homemade candies are perfect for last minute gift giving. Turn off the oven for this one.
There’s nothing better than having a batch of cookies baking in the oven and having chocolates cooking over the stove or in the slow cooker. Chocolate Peanut Clusters are thrown together in less than 15 minutes and can be gift wrapped in another 10. Give them out to friends, family, neighbours, or anyone else you need last minute gifts for.
Kids love getting in the kitchen to help you out with this one!
WHAT INGREDIENTS GO INTO CHOCOLATE PEANUT CLUSTERS?
- WHITE CHOCOLATE MELTS or almond bark can be used to break through the semisweet and milk chocolates, providing a great base for flavour and texture. Even if you don’t like white chocolate, you won’t taste it in this.
- SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS or dark chocolate chips. Use good quality chocolate like Belgium, Cadbury, Nestle, or Ghirardelli. If you prefer dark chocolate over milk, feel free to use all dark or semisweet.
- MILK CHOCOLATE CHIPS create a balance of sweet and bittersweet. For our peanut clusters, we use less milk and more semisweet as we find it yields the best taste without being to sweet.
- SALTED PEANUTS provide the salty needed for the sweet going on in here!
- UNSALTED PEANUTS balance out the saltiness.
HOW TO MAKE STOVE TOP CHOCOLATE PEANUT CLUSTERS
You won’t believe how easy it is to make chocolate peanut clusters on the stove. NO DOUBLE BOILERS NEEDED!
Just throw all of the chocolate into a heavy based pot or pan over low heat. Cook while stirring occasionally until chocolate is melted and smooth (about 10 minutes or so).
If there are a couple of lumps, don’t worry! The heat will continue to melt your chocolate while the nuts are being mixed in.
HOW TO MAKE CROCKPOT CHOCOLATE PEANUT CLUSTERS
Use a 6-quart slow cooker and spray with cooking oil spray. Throw in all of your ingredients, cover and cook on low until melted. It takes about 1-2 hours. I suggest stirring every 20-30 minutes or so to prevent burning.
Line large baking sheets with parchment (baking paper). We use about 3 baking sheets. You can also use mini cupcake liners for serve-size ready gifts.
Drop chocolate mixture onto the paper with a cookie scoop or tablespoon (whatever is easier for you). Then set in the refrigerator.
OPTIONAL ADD INS
For festive clusters, top with mini red and green m&m’s, red and green sprinkles or coloured edible glitter before they set in the refrigerator.
HOW LONG WILL HOMEMADE PEANUT CLUSTERS LAST?
Chocolate Peanut Clusters last best when refrigerated in an airtight container. Separate the layers with pieces of parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
CAN YOU FREEZE PEANUT CLUSTERS?
Absolutely. When they are set, place them in freezer bags or air tight containers to freeze.
Thaw Chocolate Peanut Clusters in the refrigerator before serving.
LOOKING FOR MORE CHRISTMAS IDEAS? TRY THESE!
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IngredientsUSMetric1x2x3x
- ▢ 2 lbs white chocolate melts or almond bark
- ▢ 21 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- ▢ 14 oz milk chocolate chips
- ▢ 13 ounces unsalted peanuts or dry roasted peanuts
- ▢ 13 ounces salted peanuts
Instructions
- Line 1-2 large baking sheets with parchment paper (baking paper).
STOVE TOP:
- Throw all of the chocolate into a heavy based pot or pan over low heat.
- Cook while stirring occasionally until melted and smooth (about 10-15 minutes). Let cool for 5 minutes, then stir in nuts.
- Use a cookie scoop or metal spoon to drop the mixture into rounds onto prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate until set (about 1 hour).
SLOW COOKER:
- Spray a 6 quart (6 litre) slow cooker bowl with nonstick oil spray. Or use a liner.
- Throw in all of the ingredients, cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours or until chocolate is completely melted. (Stir occasionally – every 20-30 minutes or so – to avoid burning the chocolate on the bottom of the cooker bowl.)
- Give the mixture a good stir to combine.
- Use a cookie scoop or metal spoon to drop the mixture into rounds onto prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate until set (about 1 hour).
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Ingredients
- 2 lbs white chocolate melts or almond bark
- 21 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 14 oz milk chocolate chips
- 13 ounces unsalted peanuts or dry roasted peanuts
- 13 ounces salted peanuts
Instructions
- Line 1-2 large baking sheets with parchment paper (baking paper).
STOVE TOP:
- Throw all of the chocolate into a heavy based pot or pan over low heat.
- Cook while stirring occasionally until melted and smooth (about 10-15 minutes). Let cool for 5 minutes, then stir in nuts.
- Use a cookie scoop or metal spoon to drop the mixture into rounds onto prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate until set (about 1 hour).
SLOW COOKER:
- Spray a 6 quart (6 litre) slow cooker bowl with nonstick oil spray. Or use a liner.
- Throw in all of the ingredients, cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours or until chocolate is completely melted. (Stir occasionally – every 20-30 minutes or so – to avoid burning the chocolate on the bottom of the cooker bowl.)
- Give the mixture a good stir to combine.
- Use a cookie scoop or metal spoon to drop the mixture into rounds onto prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate until set (about 1 hour).
Notes
Nutrition
Thank You! https://cafedelites.com/chocolate-peanut-clusters/
Okay, can we all agree that Taco Tuesday is literally the best night of the week?! It’s my go-to for a fun, easy dinner that I know everyone will love. And since this year’s National Taco Day is happening on a Tuesday (Oct 7th!), we are going ALL out!
I’ve gathered my absolute best, most-loved Taco Tuesday ideas to make your next taco night a total knockout. We are not the only ones crazy about Taco Tuesday Old El Paso is declaring October 7 “ National Taco Day-Off ” and giving you a chance to win a trip to a Cowboy Ranch.
How to Make The Quickest Tacos
I know weeknights are crazy! You want an amazing Taco Tuesday, but you need it FAST. These are my secret weapons for getting delicious tacos on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your lettuce, tomatoes, and onions in the morning or the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, you just have to set them out!
- Use Smart Shortcuts: Don’t be afraid to use pre-shredded cheese, a bag of slaw mix, or a good quality store-bought pico de gallo or guacamole to save time. You can find pico de gallo in the refrigerated section, I love the one from Trader Joe’s . It’s known for being consistently fresh, chunky, and having a great flavor. My biggest tip for any store-bought pico is to drain off any extra liquid at the bottom of the container and give it a stir. If you want to make it taste homemade, add a quick squeeze of fresh lime juice and a little chopped cilantro. It makes all the difference!
- Cook The Meat in Batches: I love to cook a double batch of taco meat on Sunday. I use half for dinner that night and save the other half for Tuesday. It reheats in minutes and its good to store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
What to stuff in a Perfect Taco?
Building the perfect taco is an art, and it’s all about the layers! Here’s my guide to the essential components.
- The Tortilla: Choose your base! Flour tortillas are soft and pliable, great for over-stuffed tacos these are my personal favourite, I use the Tortilla Land uncooked flour tortillas. You find them in the refrigerated section and cook them in a hot pan for about 30 seconds per side. They puff up and taste incredible. Corn tortillas offer an authentic, slightly sweet flavor and are amazing when quickly charred on a gas stove or in a hot pan. Hard Shells give you that classic, satisfying crunch.
- The Protein: While the recipes below give you tons of options, don’t be afraid to mix it up! Pick from seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, spicy chorizo, or black beans for a great veggie option.
- The Toppings (The Best Part!): Get creative with a taco bar! Set out bowls of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole!
Our 10 Must-Make Taco Recipes
Now that you’re armed with all the pro tips, let’s get to the recipes!
Planning a bigger fiesta? Check out my Best New Year’s Eve Appetizers for more crowd pleasing bites that pair perfectly with tacos! Or downsize for a couples romantic date night menu ideas here.
Crispy Fish Tacos
Beef Mince Tacos (Better Than Takeout)
Viral Smash Burger Tacos
Easy Birria Tacos
Oven-Baked Barbecue Chicken ‘Pizza’ Tacos
Korean Bulgogi BBQ Beef Tacos
Slow Cooker Barbacoa Short Rib Tacos
Easy Taco Salad
Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken Taco Salad
The Only Salsa Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Pico De Gallo
