Cockroach Clusters

Easy Clusters

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted, or dark-chocolate-flavored compound coating, melted
• 1 cup popcorn
• 1/2 cup fine Chinese noodles

Directions:

• Combine the melted chocolate, popcorn, and Chinese noodles in a mixing bowl. Stir to coat completely.
• Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a sheet of parchment paper. Allow to set before eating, about 1 hour. (If you temper the chocolate, it will set after about 5 minutes.) Makes about 2 dozen nuggets.

Fancy Clusters

Ingredients:

• 1 cup slivered (not sliced) almonds
• 2/3 cup pecan halves
• 2 teaspoons water
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and tempered, or 8 ounces dark-chocolate-flavored compound coating, melted

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Place the almonds and pecans in a bowl and moisten with the brandy, then mix in the sugar to coat. Spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through the toasting time, until golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and keep warm, but not hot, while you prepare the chocolate.
• Pour the warm nuts into the bowl of melted chocolate and stir to coat evenly. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a sheet of parchment paper and leave to set, about five minutes. Makes about 2 dozen clusters.

Find more recipes in the Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook