Paleo Treat: 'Back Country Clusters'

Today's recipe was a Pinterest find from the blog ourpaleolife.com. I myself am not on a strictly paleo diet, but like to incorporate some of these recipes into my regime every now and again.. Especially when chocolate is an ingredient!

Ingredients:
- 3 cups of a nut/seed/dried fruit mix (unsalted and no sugar added.. When in doubt, make your own)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (I used a smidge more)
- 1 tsp. vegan shortening (I used coconut oil)


Preheat oven to 350 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (I used wax paper and learned my lesson.. NEVER again).

Combine all ingredients, EXCEPT shortening and chocolate chips, in a large bowl and stir until evenly coated.

Pour nut mixture onto lined baking sheet and press mixture flat until about 1/2" thick.

Baked for 20 minutes. Then let cool COMPLETELY.

Break nut mixture into bite-sized clusters.

Melt chocolate chips and shortening (coconut oil at casa de ghoens) for 30ish seconds.. Until you can stir it smooth.

Dip bottom of cluster into chocolate and set on sheet of parchment to harden.

I like to keep mine frozen or refrigerated!

--my experience of this recipe varies slightly from my instructions. My nut mixture didn't harden because the original recipe didn't mention that the shortening was to be used to melt the chocolate. That being said, my nut clusters remaining sticky instead of getting crunchy. I persevered and adapted by putting 1 inch spoonfuls of chocolate on the parchment paper first and the. Setting the sticky nut mixture on top. In the end, I acheived the same result but invested a little more time in the process.

Now I know for next time!

Bon appetit!

Xo,
Linz