Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This old-fashioned peanut cluster recipe is the perfect answer. Forget those store-bought candies filled with mystery ingredients – these homemade peanut clusters are bursting with fresh, nutty flavor and require minimal effort. They're the ideal homemade cooking project for a cozy evening, a delightful gift for friends, or a quick and easy dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth. Get ready to experience the joy of making delicious dishes from scratch! This recipe is perfect for those searching for easy recipes or quick dinner ideas (though these are more of a delightful after-dinner treat!).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Prepare Your Workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Having everything prepped before you start is key for smooth homemade cooking.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, milk, and butter. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
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Bring to a Boil: Continue stirring until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy – you're aiming for 245°F (118°C), the firm-ball stage. This is crucial for the perfect peanut cluster texture.
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Remove from Heat & Add Flavor: Once the mixture reaches the correct temperature, remove it from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract.
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Mix in Peanuts: Gently fold in the salted peanuts until they are evenly coated in the caramel mixture.
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Shape and Cool: Drop rounded tablespoons of the peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cluster. Let them cool completely at room temperature. This allows the caramel to fully set.
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Melt Chocolate: Once the clusters are completely cool, melt the chocolate chips according to package directions (microwave or double boiler).
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Dip and Decorate: Dip the bottom of each peanut cluster into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. You can optionally sprinkle extra peanuts or sea salt on top for added texture and flavor.
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Set and Enjoy: Place the chocolate-dipped clusters back onto the parchment paper and allow the chocolate to fully set before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Peanut Clusters:
- Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer is highly recommended for accurate temperature monitoring, ensuring perfectly cooked caramel.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked caramel will be hard and brittle. Stick to the 245°F (118°C) target.
- Work Quickly: Once you remove the caramel from the heat, work quickly to incorporate the peanuts before it starts to cool and set.
- Cooling Time: Patience is key! Allow the clusters to cool completely before dipping them in chocolate.
Variations:
- Different Nuts: Substitute peanuts with other nuts like cashews, pecans, or almonds.
- Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer, more intense flavor.
- Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel mixture for a warm, spiced twist.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Incorporate pretzels, dried cranberries, or other candies into the caramel mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Sugar: Approximately 20-25g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
These old-fashioned peanut clusters are a delicious and easy treat perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating something truly special! These healthy meals (in moderation, of course!) are a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly simple to make. They're sure to become a family favorite!