Peanut & Raisin Candy Clusters

I love the sweet and salty taste of chocolate covered raisins and peanuts.  My husband calls it the "ying and the yang"!  So this year I thought I would put all these flavors together...the saltiness of the peanuts, the sweetness of the chocolate and the chewiness of the raisins.  You put all these ingredients together and make a yummy candy cluster!  The recipe is very simple and the presentation looks great on the cookie tray!

PEANUT & RAISIN CANDY CLUSTERS 

*Makes about 60 candy clusters

• 16 oz. dry roasted peanuts (with salt)
• 10 oz. chocolate flavored almond bark
• 2 tsp. shortening or vegetable oil
• 12 oz. raisins
• 6 oz. white chocolate

• 60 small paper candy cups

1. In a double boiler heat the chocolate almond bark and 1 tsp. shortening or vegetable oil.  Heat until smooth and creamy.  Stirring frequently.
2. In the meantime place the peanuts and raisins in a large bowl. Mix well.
3. Once chocolate has melted and is smooth pour it over the peanuts and raisins.  Mix well so that all the peanuts and raisins are coated well.
4. Place the candy paper cups in rows lining a baking sheet.  Place a tablespoon of peanut chocolate mixture into each paper cup.  Continue until each cup is fulled.
5. Using your double boiler (washed out and clean of chocolate) heat the white chocolate and 1 tsp. shortening or vegetable oil.  Heat until smooth and creamy stirring frequently.
6. Using a fork drizzle white chocolate over each peanut cluster.
7. Place in refrigerator and chill until all chocolate has set.
8. Place in cookie tins seperating each layer with wax paper.
9. Refrigerate until ready to eat or place on cookie tray.