Comments on: Cluster Query

By: Kez

Kez — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 03:56:44 +0000

Thank you, Sherry. I will let you know if I use other nuts. I will be making them for Valentine’s Day.

By: SherryPA

SherryPA — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 23:12:34 +0000

Kez, I’ve actually only made it melting the chocolate in a casserole over low simmering water in an electric skillet. I think any nuts would be good. I just really liked the combination of chocolates a lot. Of all the clusters I had made at that time, these were my favorite. As for selling them for any profit, I think the ingredients are too expensive for that. If you try other nuts, let us know. I just plain like nuts of all kinds!

By: Kez

Kez — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:55:14 +0000

Sherry, Have you ever used any nuts other than peanuts in your slow cooker recipe? What do you think about almonds or cashews?

By: Meryl

Meryl — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 06:46:28 +0000

You’re very welcome, Becky!

By: Kez

Kez — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 23:51:20 +0000

Thanks, Sherry, for the comparison recipe. I hope to make some candies for Valentine’s Day and think there are so many to choose from here. Mmmmmmmmmmm good!

By: Becky

Becky — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 18:25:58 +0000

Meryl, thank you for the research. I may experiment with that recipe one of these days and see what happens. Not being able to have anything with corn products in it really limits me.

Thanks so much for taking the time to find that information.

By: SherryPA

SherryPA — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:14:41 +0000

Kez, I’ll bet those are delicious. They are almost the same as this one I made…really, really good…Here’s the one I made for comparison with the contributor’s note:
“You can use this simple recipe to make a big batch of chocolate candy without a lot of fuss,” assures Doris Reynolds of Munds Park, Arizona. “I’ve sent these clusters to my husband’s office a number of times…and passed the recipe along as well.”
21 ServingsPrep: 10 min. + standing Cook: 2 hours
Ingredients

2 pounds white candy coating, broken into small pieces
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
4 ounces German sweet chocolate, chopped
1 jar (24 ounces) dry roasted peanuts

Directions

In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the candy coating, chocolate chips
and German chocolate. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce heat
to low; cover and cook 1 hour longer or until melted, stirring every
15 minutes.

Stir in peanuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let stand
until set. Store at room temperature. Yield: 3-1/2 dozen.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (2 each) equals 521 calories, 35 g fat (17 g saturated fat), trace cholesterol, 265 mg sodium, 51 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 9 g protein.
© Taste of Home 2012

By: SherryPA

SherryPA — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:10:09 +0000

I totally agree Marian. At this point, we are looking at all the possibilites and then will narrow it down to just a few. Your recipe looks good too! Will copy and save it now Thank you!

By: Meryl

Meryl — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:56:45 +0000

Becky, I did a little research, and found this info from David Lebovitz:
“Corn Syrup FAQs

Why do some recipes have corn syrup in them?

Corn syrup is an invert sugar, which means that it prevents sugar crystals from forming. Microscopically, sugar has jagged edges and when you melt it, sugar liquefies. But if you keep cooking it to a syrup, those jagged edged-fellas want to re-attach themselves to others. Corn syrup acts as interfering agent, which ‘interfere’ with that process. Honey, agave, and the like, don’t have the same properties.

If making a caramel, and a recipe calls for corn syrup, you can substitute a dash of lemon juice or cream of tartar, which performs nearly the same function.”
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2009/01/why-and-when-to-use-or-not-use-c/

By: Meryl

Meryl — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:48:11 +0000

Sherry,
Sorry, I meant this for Becky.