Chocolate Peanut Clusters

It's no secret I view chocolate as a food group.  During the holidays it is prominently featured in my homemade candy repertoire.  For the past several years I have had the pleasure of baking cookies and making candy for a others to give as gifts.  Including my own gifts, the total is about 100 dozen cookies and candies over a one week period.

This year my friend's mom gave me a recipe for chocolate bark made in a crock pot. She piqued my interest and I had to try it.  The recipe makes approximately 12 dozen peanut clusters, or a large cookie sheet of bark if you choose.  Ingredients will cost approximately $20.00, but you'll have plenty to gift (or keep).      

After you've made the recipe once, you might want to experiment with the ingredients.  I for one will use more German chocolate and less white chocolate next time.  Caramel might be a great addition too.  Use your imagination.  As always, enjoy!

CHOCOLATE PEANUT CLUSTERS

1.  Layer the following ingredients in a crock pot. TIP:  Use a crock pot liner bag to make clean up a breeze.

1- 16 oz jar of salted dry roasted peanuts
1- 16 oz jar of unsalted dry roasted peanuts
1- 6 oz bar Baker's German chocolate, chopped
1- 12 oz bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
6- 6 oz bars Baker's premium white chocolate

2.  Cook covered at low temperature (about 200 degrees) for approximately 2 - 2 1/2 hours.  Remove lid and stir until all nuts and chocolate is well mixed.

3.  Remove entire bag and place on a  jelly roll pan (or cookie sheet with edges).  If you don't have the pans, Cut along the seams with a pair of scissors.  The bag will open up and fit on the jelly roll pan with a generous overhang.

4.  At this point if you don't want to make clusters, spread the mixture evenly on the pan.  Let cool completely  and break into pieces.

5.  To make clusters, scoop about a teaspoon of candy mixture and drop onto parchment paper or waxed paper to cool as shown below.