Chocolate Hazelnut Clusters
2 cups hazelnuts
1 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
¼ cup water
One package semi-sweet chocolate chips

When you buy hazelnuts they will probably still have their skins on. Turn your oven to 325 degrees and place the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes. You should be able to smell the hazelnuts roasting right before they’re done. Take the hazelnuts out of the oven and let them cool. Then take a towel and rub them to take the skins off.
Once you finish that, mix one cup of sugar and about a quarter cup of water. On the stovetop at medium-high heat, continually stir the mixture in a pot until all the sugar dissolves. Add about 2 tsp of salt, more or less to taste, stir for another couple minutes and then add the hazelnuts. Continue to stir the hazelnuts for another 15 minutes. If the sugar becomes sandy at any point in time don’t worry, just continue with the recipe!
Place the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it cool in the fridge. Once they are cool, melt the chocolate and stir the hazelnuts and melted sugar concoction into the chocolate. Place back on the parchment in spoonful clusters and let cool in the fridge. Once cool they are ready to eat!

Published: Saturday, February 25, 2012
Updated: Sunday, February 26, 2012 00:02