Ali Shapiro

Walnut-Date Clusters

You love chocolate. And you should. The dark stuff is good for you. This recipe will help when you need the fix or a healthy dessert to bring to a holiday party.

1 ½ cups coarsely chopped pitted dates
1 ½ cups coarsely chopped walnuts
4 oz 100% dark baking chocolate
¼ cup of honey (may need to add slightly more depending on taste preference)

Makes about 4 dozen

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or waxed paper. Place miniature candy cups onto the parchment or waxed paper.

In a bowl, mix together the dates and walnuts. Set aside
Place the chocolate in the top pan of a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl set over
hot (not simmering) water. Heat, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Add honey. Taste to make sure there is a hint of sweetness, not overly bitter. Adding the dates adds more sweetness so it just needs to be slightly sweet.

Pour out the hot water from the bottom pan and replace it with lukewarm water. Put the chocolate and honey mixture over the lukewarm water. Let the chocolate stand, stirring frequently, until it cools slightly and beings to thicken, about 3 minutes.

Stir the date-walnut mixture into the chocolate, mixing thoroughly. Using a small spoon, scoop out slightly rounded teaspoonfuls of the mixture and drop onto the prepared candy cups onto the baking sheet. Refrigerate uncovered until set, about 2 hours. Store in an airtight container.