Crunchy Vanilla Clusters

 

These sweet little morsels have few ingredients, and one of them is rather surprising. There are nuts - pecans and almonds - a bit of butter, lots of white chocolate, and the surprise ingredient - ramen noodles. I know. Weird. And oddly addicting. They are crushed and sauteed with the butter and nuts and add a savoury note to the white chocolate. 

I got the recipe from a Christmas with Southern Living 2000 hardback book. 

Crunchy Vanilla Clusters

1 (3 ounce) (100 g) package ramen noodles

3/4 cup pecan pieces

1/2 cup sliced almonds

2 Tablespoons butter

12 oz (340 g) white chocolate (I used Baker's)

Gently crush the ramen noodles, and discard the flavour packet. Melt the butter over medium-low heat in a skillet. Add the noodles, pecans, and almonds. Saute, stirring occasionally, until toasted. 

Turn the heat down to low and add the white chocolate. I let the chocolate sit on top of the mixture to soften, then begin stirring it gently. Conversely, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave and add it to the mixture. Coat the mixture thoroughly. 

Drop by tablespoons onto parchment paper. Let stand until firm. Place in fridge for quicker cooling. Store clusters in airtight container in the fridge, freezer, or if not too warm, at room temperature. 

Makes about 3 dozen.