Ingredients:
2 cups halves of pecans
12 oz (340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp sea salt (optional, for sprinkling on top).
Instructions:
Prepare Pecans:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit(175 degrees Celsius).
Place pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet.
Roast the nuts in the oven for approximately 8-10 minutes until they are fragrant and browned lightly, stirring occasionally. Allow cooling completely.
Melt Chocolate:
Combine in a microwave-safe bowl the butter with the chocolate chips.
Microwave at intervals of 30 seconds while stirring after each one until smooth melted chocolate forms.
Afterwards add Vanilla Extract.
Combining & Shaping Process:
Stir well so that all pecans are coated with melted chocolate.
Put some parchment paper over large baking sheet.
Using a spoon, drop clusters of the chocolate-pecan mixture onto the parchment paper, spacing them apart evenly.
Cluster Placement
If you want to, add some pinches of sea salt to each cluster.
Place the clusters on a counter and leave them there to harden or put in fridge for faster setting.
Hints for Success:
Toasted Pecans: Watch pecans closely as they can burn very fast when roasting.
Melted Chocolate: Frequently stir the chocolate while it melts so that it doesn’t burn. Double boilers can also be used to melt chocolates if you like them melted that way.
Setting Clusters: For quicker sets place baking sheet in refrigerator. To have a shinier finish allow clusters set at room temperature.
Health Benefits:
Pecans are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins that support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Dark Chocolate contains antioxidants that may improve brain function, reduce the risk of heart disease and improve mood.
