Almond Chocolate Chews

(NC)—Developed for the Almond Board of California by Trish Magwood, author of James Beard award winning cookbook ‘dish entertains’, and TV host of ‘party dish’.

I used to make a variation of these no bake treats in high school with my friend as the ultimate after school snack. Now, I make them with our kids at Christmas time – they love the simple assembly and they are great, casual teacher and host gifts from the kids in the kitchen. Put in a little pastry box or Chinese take–out box with brown wool string and tie on a recycled gift card.

Makes 3 dozen

Ingredients:

1 package (2 cups, 500 mL) butterscotch chips

1 package (2 cups, 500 mL) chocolate chips

1 cup (250 mL) raisins

1 cup (250 mL) dried cranberries

1 1/2 cups (375 mL) salted pretzels, broken in half

2 cups (500 mL) whole almonds, dry roasted (or substitute with whole almonds, salted)

Preparation:

In a large double boiler or large bowl over gently simmering water, melt chocolate and butterscotch chips for about 10 minutes.

Once melted, turn off heat. Add raisins, cranberries, pretzels and almonds.

Gently stir making sure no water gets into the bowl.

Drop teaspoonfuls onto wax paper lined cookie sheet.

Refrigerate until set for about 30 minutes.

Nutritional analysis per serving, or 1 chew:

Calories: 172 kcals
Total Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Fibre: 2g
Sodium: 39 mg
Calcium: 30 mg
Magnesium: 35 mg
Potassium: 135 mg
Vitamin E: 2 mg

Source: www.newscanada.com