Peanut Raisin Clusters Recipes

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.

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.

Steps:

• Melt chocolate in top part of double boiler over boiling water (You may just do in a pan over low heat if you don't have double boiler).
• Add condensed milk and salt.
• Cook for 10 minutes, or until thickened, stirring constantly.
• Add raisins and nuts.
• Drop by tablespoonfuls onto wax paper.
• Refrigerate until firm.
• Makes bout 20 clusters.

Steps:

• In a heavy 3 quart saucepan,melt chocolate and shortening over medium heat,stirring until melted.
• Remove from heat and stir in nuts and raisins.
• Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Chill until firm,about 2 hours.
• Store in airtight conyainers in refrigerator.

Steps:

• Melt chocolate; cool slightly. Add peanuts and raisins and mix well. Drop mixture by spoonful onto baking sheets covered with wax paper. Chill until set. Makes 3/4 pound.