Imagine the festive spirit of the holiday season captured in a delicious, easy-to-make treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the crunch of nuts. This Christmas Crock Pot Candy is a staple of holiday celebrations, perfect for filling cookie tins, gifting to friends and family, or enjoying as a sweet indulgence during the most wonderful time of the year. The combination of white almond bark, German chocolate, semisweet chocolate chips, and dry-roasted peanuts creates a mouthwatering, nutty flavor that is both classic and festive. This recipe is a testament to the magic of slow-cooked treats, requiring minimal effort but yielding maximum delight.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds white almond bark
- 4 ounces German chocolate bar
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 24 ounces dry-roasted peanuts
- Optional garnish: sprinkles or crushed candy canes
Instructions:
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Prepare the Crock Pot: Add the white almond bark, German chocolate bar, semisweet chocolate chips, and dry-roasted peanuts to a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
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Cook on Low: Cook on low for 1 hour without stirring the mixture.
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Stir and Continue Cooking: After 1 hour, stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients. Continue cooking on low for another hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
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Cool and Set: Once the candy has finished cooking, turn off the slow cooker. Line a countertop or table with a long piece of parchment paper. Use a 1-tablespoon scoop to portion out the candy onto the parchment paper, leaving space between each peanut cluster. While the candy is still warm, garnish with sprinkles or crushed candy canes if desired.
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Cool Completely: Allow the candy to cool completely on the parchment paper.
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Store the Candy: Once cooled, transfer the peanut clusters to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a month or freeze for longer storage.
Top Tips:
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Choose the Right Chocolate: Ensure you use high-quality chocolate bark that melts well, such as white almond bark or vanilla-flavored almond bark, for the best results.
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Stir Carefully: Stir the mixture every 15 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even melting of the chocolate.
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Cool Properly: Let the candy cool completely before storing to prevent melting and messiness.
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Garnish with Fun: Add festive touches like sprinkles or crushed candy canes to make your candy more visually appealing.
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Freeze for Later: Freeze the candy in an airtight bag for up to 3 months and thaw as needed.
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Experiment with Nuts: Try using different types of nuts like macadamia nuts or pecans for a unique twist.
Variations:
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Macadamia Nut Delight: Replace dry-roasted peanuts with macadamia nuts for a richer, creamier flavor.
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Pecan Twist: Use pecans instead of peanuts for a different texture and flavor profile.
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Candy Cane Crunch: Add crushed candy canes to the mixture for an extra festive touch.
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Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Dip pretzels in the melted chocolate mixture for a salty-sweet treat.
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Nut-Free Option: Use chocolate-covered marshmallows or fruit for a nut-free version of the candy.
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Spiced Peanuts: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the peanuts before mixing for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Guide:
| Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 233 | 19g | 12g | 8g |
Additional Nutritional Notes: This recipe is relatively high in fat due to the use of chocolate and nuts, but it is also rich in protein and fiber. The semisweet chocolate chips provide a good amount of antioxidants, while the dry-roasted peanuts offer a crunchy texture and a boost of healthy fats. Enjoy your Christmas Crock Pot Candy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
