Chocolate Almond Clusters
2 1/2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate (I use chocolate chips)
1/2 cup dried cherries (preferred) or golden raisins
1 ounce coarsely chopped toasted almonds
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
In medium microwaveable mixing bowl, microwave chocolate on medium for 2 minutes, stirring twice or until melted and smooth.
Stir in cherries or raisins, almonds, and zest. Line baking sheet with waxed paper and drop mixture by teaspoonfuls onto the paper, making 16 clusters. Chill until firm.
Per serving (2 clusters): 85 calories, 5 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 1 mg sodium, 12 g total carbohydrate, 1 g dietary fiber, 1 g protein, 14 mg calcium
Points per serving = 2
Source: Weight Watchers "Dessert Classics" magazine
posted by Pittsburgher at
2:54 PM
10 Comments:
Sounds perfectly yummy, Pitts. I love cherries and almonds... and chocolate. This is right up my alley. :) I always hated those chocolate covered cherries when I was a kid. Then a few years ago I discovered that I absolutely loved them. Then I discovered that I was diabetic... so... try not eat them anymore. This may go a long way toward satisfying my craving for them. Thanks ever so much, my friend!
December 19, 2008 at 4:08 PM
It won't matter if I melt the chocolate in a heavy bottomed pan on the stove will it? That's how I usually do it. I always mess it up when I try to melt chocolate in the microwave. Don't ask... (we all have hidden talents. The ability to mess up anything I cook in the microwave is one of mine.) :)
December 19, 2008 at 4:13 PM
Sounds wonderful - I managed to burn chocolate in the microwave one time so I'm still a little scared of doing it that way. May try the crockpot. This will be made next week.
December 19, 2008 at 6:36 PM
I think you can melt the chocolate on the stove. That scares me more than the microwave, but if it's what you're used to, you should be fine. If you make them, let me know what you think :-)
December 20, 2008 at 9:33 AM
I am definately going to make them. Need some goodies for my own house. Something different than what I've already given. Pete and Thomas did so much taste testing on that stuff. I don't think they could abide anymore. :)
December 20, 2008 at 7:34 PM
Hi Pitts, Hope everyone you indulged with the clusters enjoyed them!
December 21, 2008 at 4:13 AM
So far everyone has liked them. I'm going to make one more cookie and then give a cookie tin to the neighbors. I made Cinnamon-Coffee Pecans, the Chocolate Almond Clusters, and I'm going to make Coconut Kisses :-)
December 22, 2008 at 9:55 AM
Made it tonight (used crockpot - too chicken for double boiler) but used white chips. Didn't have dried cherries at Wal Mart so I used dried cranberries. Almonds gave it the right crunch. Giving some as Christmas gifts but keeping some for myself. It's so good!
December 22, 2008 at 8:03 PM
Glad they turned out for you Tricia. I like your adaptations. Guess any dried fruit and chocolate would work. Worth a try.
December 23, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Still want to use cherries and will find them soon. Blueberries or strawberries sound like interesting combinations.
Thanks for the recipe. It's been a big hit.
December 24, 2008 at 6:44 PM
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home