Chocolate Caramel Almond Clusters

Holiday baking can be yummy without the use of unhealthy ingredients – promise! :)

I have seen some different variations of these that incorporate things like sesame seeds and shredded coconut (yum!), but I do like these ones for how simple they are, with very few ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (dark to be healthier!)

• 1 TBS coconut oil

• ¾ cup raw almonds (or any nut!)

• 16 pitted dates

• 1 cup almond or other non-dairy milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Soak dates in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes

2. Melt chocolate chips with the coconut oil

3. Divide nuts evenly in your muffin tins (about 10 almonds per cavity)

4. Drizzle with a little chocolate, just until all nuts are covered a little bit

5. Place tin in freezer or fridge to set

6. Put dates in a food processor (or strong blender) and run until the form a paste – scraping down the sides

7. Add the milk gradually (you might not use the whole cup) until the mixture becomes a smooth sauce

8. Add in vanilla, blend well

9. Divide caramel evenly between the 12 nut clusters

10. Top with chocolate

11. Sprinkle with a little sea salt and return to fridge or freezer to set

12. When ready to serve, carefully pop them from the muffin tin (a butter knife works well)