Do you have a favorite holiday treat? I like almost all of them, but peanut butter balls, homemade turtles and these peanut clusters top my list!
These peanut clusters have an extra special place in my heart…they were my Grandpa Walt’s favorite. Every year we would have plates of peanut clusters. When I got old enough to start helping in the kitchen I would make my own batch of peanut clusters and hand deliver them to my Grandpa. I did this for years…and even those years I was busy at college my Mom would make up a plate for me to give my Grandpa. He always graciously accepted them with a hug and then snag one to eat right away.
It wasn’t for several years that I actually realized how much my Grandpa looked forward to them. One of the last Christmases we spent with my Grandpa, I went to visit him a week before. I had no peanut clusters with me as I planned to deliver them on actual Christmas Day. That afternoon he seemed a bit distracted while visiting, and when I got ready to go he finally inquired if I had brought any peanut clusters. Ha! No wonder he was distracted, he kept waiting for me to whip out a plate of goodies. You better believe that on Christmas Day he got an extra large plate of peanut clusters for having to wait.
It seems like each year the holidays are getting busier and busier. I have been trying to simplify the holidays at our house to keep the true meaning of Christmas in focus. Even with all the business and simplifying, I always set aside time to make these peanut clusters and always fondly think of my Grandpa Walt. It’s become a bit of a tradition.
- 6 oz milk chocolate chips
- 6 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
- 16 oz white almond bark
- 24-32 oz peanuts (salted cocktail)
- Melt all chips and almond bark in the top of a double boiler in the stove or in the microwave. Stirring frequently to make sure it doesn't scorch.
- Add peanuts and stir until mixed well.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto waved paper. Allow to cool and harden.
- Store in airtight container.
