Sweet And Salty Candy

These Sweet and Salty Candy Clusters combine chocolate, toasted almonds, crunchy pretzels and chewy raisins for an irresistible homemade treat perfect for holiday gifting and sharing.

Course Candy, Dessert

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword sweet-and-salty-candy, sweet-and-salty-candy-clusters

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Cooling Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings servings

Calories 88kcal

Author Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

1/2 cup slivered almonds toasted
3 cups milk chocolate chips
2 Tbsp vegetable shortening
2/3 cup golden raisins
2/3 cup broken pretzel sticks

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet pan. Roast for 6-8 minutes, stirring once. Set aside to cool, while you prepare the chocolate.
Line a large sheet pan with wax paper. Set aside.
In the top of a double boiler, melt together the chocolate and shortening stirring occasionally until smooth.
*Alternately, in a microwave safe bowl, melt together 3 cups of chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of shortening. Heat in 30 second intervals, stopping to stir as needed. Continue this process until completely smooth.
Place pretzels, raisins and toasted almonds into a large mixing bowl. Pour melted chocolate on top. Use a rubber spatula to stir until evenly coated.
Using a teaspoon or a small cookie scoop drop in clusters onto the wax paper lined sheet pan.
Allow candy to set up for 1 hour or until dry.
*Chill to speed up the process.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. If chilled, bring to room temperature for serving.

Notes

Chocolate - You can make this candy with semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
Shortening - You can replace Crisco with coconut oil. Don't use heavy cream, it adds moisture and will make the pretzels soften.
Nuts - You can make this candy with peanuts, cashews, pecans or walnuts.
Raisins - You can use classic raisins or golden raisins.
Make Your won Double Boiler - If you don't have a double boiler, you can make your own! Find a bowl that will fit into a small saucepan without touching the water. If using a glass bowl make sure it's tempered glass. Place the chocolate and vegetable shortening in the bowl, then place over about 1 inch of simmering water. Don't let the bowl touch the water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely smooth.
How to Serve and Share - When sharing candy as a gift, remember the packaging is everything. Most candies can be gifted in pretty tins or seasonal cellophane bags. Don 't forget the ribbon. Mason jars are also a fun option.
Label - When sharing as a gift, don't forget to include a card telling the recipient the best way to store the homemade gift. Consider any special dietary needs of those whom you're giving the gift of food.

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