Christmas Treats to Give and Eat - Part One

Christmastime is finally here! The sights, the sounds, the smells, the treats... Yes, Christmas might look a little different this year, but that doesn't mean we have to forgo all of our traditions. Particularly those that bring joy to others.

I don't know about you, but baking cookies and making candy is all a part of my holiday experience. Not because I love to eat them. Well, I do like to eat them, but the joy is in giving. Preparing a plate of cookies and candies, wrapping it in cellophane and tying it with a pretty bow is such a simple, yet much appreciated, way to let someone know you're thinking of them.

These Peanut Clusters are usually one of the first treats I make. They're so simple that even a non-cook will be met with high praises. All you need is a CrockPot or a large bowl.

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 pkg vanilla almond bark
• 1 pkg chocolate almond bark
• 12 oz pkg semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 bar Baker's German Chocolate
• 35 oz container dry roasted peanuts (This is non-negotiable. Other types of peanuts/nuts won't work in this recipe. Something about the oils.)

  

Chop barks and chocolate and put everything except the peanuts into your crock. BTW, I do not recommend using a liner. I've tried it twice and both times I had to start over. I don't know why, but the chocolate seized.

Cover the CrockPot, turn to low setting and walk away. Seriously. You're free to get back to hauling boxes out of the basement, decorating, reading, whatever. 

After one hour (longer, if you like), stir until smooth. If lumps remain, replace lid and let it go a while longer.

Now, if you don't own a slow cooker, you can melt the chocolate in a large, microwaveable container in the microwave. Start with two to three one-minute intervals, stirring after each minute. Once the chocolate begins to melt, switch to thirty-second intervals until the chocolate is melted.

Regardless of your melting method, once the chocolate mixture is smooth, stir in your peanuts.

Make sure everything is mixed well.

Then, using a spoon or small scoop, drop dollops, as large or small as you like, onto parchment or waxed paper. 

Allow to set completely before transferring to serving tray or airtight container.

One of the best things about these peanut clusters, besides the whole sweet and salty thing, is that they freeze beautifully. That means you can make them now and store them in the freezer until you're ready to gift them. They're also great should you need a special treat for an impromptu holiday get-together or if you're entertaining unexpected guests. Of course, you might also sneak one or two for dessert every now and then.

But let's face it, Christmas is about giving. Giving brings us joy because God gave us the greatest gift of all on that very first Christmas. A baby born in a stable Who would give His life for our sins so we could spend eternity with Him. There is no greater love than that, my friends. 

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at mindyobenhaus.com