Nut clusters

Makes about

(JASON LOWE)

Do you remember those delicious nut clusters from your childhood? As well as tasting fantastic, they were also dead easy to make. The children will probably love getting involved in making this recipe – but it's worth making a few extras, as they'll be gone in no time.

50g shelled weight of good-quality hazelnuts
50g shelled weight of good-quality walnuts
50g shelled weight of good-quality almonds
500g good-quality 70 per cent dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces

Place the chocolate in a clean bowl over a pan of simmering water. Make sure you don't get the slightest bit of water in the chocolate or it will solidify and you will have to start all over again.

Stir the chocolate every so often until it has melted, then remove from the heat.

Chop the nuts coarsely with a heavy knife then stir into the chocolate. (Or you can leave the nuts whole.) Leave the nut mixture to cool a little in the bowl; line a tray with a sheet of baking parchment and drop teaspoonfuls on to the parchment. You can also use those little petits fours cups. Leave to set, then transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool place or the refrigerator until required.