Chocolate, Almond and Orange Clusters

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole almonds
• 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup fat-free half-and-half
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp finely grated orange zest

Makes 24 clusters

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Place almonds on a baking sheet and toast until fragrant and lightly golden, 6-8 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. When cool, chop coarsely and set aside.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
3. Combine chocolate chips, half-and-half and vanilla in a small saucepan. Stirring constantly, cook over low heat until chips are melted and mixture is smooth, 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add zest and almonds. Stir to coat well.
4. Drop by the tablespoon onto the baking sheet. Freeze on the sheet until set, at least 45 minutes. Transfer to a platter and serve immediately.

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. This is a delicious recipe that's only 5 ingredients and takes 20 minutes or less to make. The combination of sweet fruit, toasted nuts and chocolate and devilishly good. Theese are yummy treats that can be made anyitme of year and be used as gifts for guests in cellophane bags tied with a fancy ribbon. These cookies can also be sold at your child's bake sale. They can also be shaped into any holiday cookie for the season. You can also use skim milk in place of the half-and-half and use almond extract in place of the vanilla extract and the clusters will still be delicious. Clusters can be made up to 3 days in advance. After freezing for 45 minutes, refrigerate in a covered container until ready to serve. Claire Robinson, if you are reading this, here's a recipe that's a 5-Ingredient Fix!