We had very cold icy weather this weekend. It was our first big winter storm, so I made Christmas candy. I think it’s programed into me, part of my DNA, my heritage, my very being, but when the weather turns cold and snowy, I make candy. My Dad was the candy maker at home. The first snowy Sunday afternoon in December he would start mixing together Divinity and Penuche and chocolate fudge.
My own forays into candy making are much less complicated than his and rarely require a candy thermometer. Our favorite recipes were chosen (by necessity) as ones that my children could assist with and enjoy. Now that they are older, they can sometimes do it all by themselves. These peanut clusters are a great example of that! They are so simple to make my 4 year old won a blue ribbon with them at the County Fair! Since they are my husband’s favorite Christmas treat, they are always the first ones I make (with lots of help of course!).
Peanut Clusters
Melt 2 1/4 pounds of almond bark and 24 oz. of chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring often. When smooth and creamy add 24 oz. of roasted and salted peanuts. Mix together and quickly drop by teaspoons on waxed paper. Let sit until hard, then enjoy! These are also yummy with almonds, walnuts or pecans. They keep quite awhile in the freezer, but you will need to hide them if you want to store them for any length of time!
So simply, so delicious, so Christmas!
Blue Jeans and Cotton Tees 