Chocolate Peanut Clusters – My Family's Traditional Neighborhood Christmas Gift

For years my mom and dad have made Chocolate Peanut Clusters for their neighborhood Christmas gifts. As they’ve gotten older, I’ve helped make these delicious treats. There is really no recipe – all you need is chocolate and peanuts.
 
My parents buy these huge blocks of chocolate – probably 10 pounds or more at the local department store. It takes a butcher knife to chunk up the chocolate. The melting takes place in a double boiler – a metal bowl placed over a pan of steaming water. 

Once the chocolate is melted the peanuts go in. Lightly salted cocktail peanuts are the best. How many peanuts should you put it? That is a good question. We just pour in peanuts, stir until everything is coated, and then add more peanuts if we think the ratio is not quite right.

Next, we use large spoons to drop the clusters on a parchment or wax paper lined cookie sheet. My mom’s mantra was “these should be as big as a candy bar, give people something to enjoy.” 

Now comes the hard part – letting the clusters sit until the chocolate hardens. I’m pretty sure many a cluster has been snacked on during this part – shh don’t tell anyone. Then comes the wrapping. Over the years the gift wrap has taken many forms – mason jars, bowls, plates, Chinese takeout boxes, plastic bags, and more. There always lots of ribbon and festive gift tags.

Do you have a Christmas or holiday food tradition? I'd love to hear what it is. And… be sure to pass it down so future generations can enjoy the tradition.