As I sat snacking on my favorite Sahale snack, Valdosta Pecans, I rummaged through my mind of Christmas treats I could make for the neighbors. I’ve never actually done this before (give gifts to the neighbors) and we aren’t even close with any of them (heck, I don’t even know their names) but what better time than the Holidays to reach out and spread some cheer? And then it hit me. My favorite snack itself, reminds me of Christmas. Consisting of just the right blend of pecans, cranberries, black pepper and orange zest, the flavor profile starts out with mild sweetness, then tart berry, creamy nut and a kick of pepper at the end. Totally Christmas, right?
Inspired by my recent trip to Sahale Headquarters, and their new layered nut bars (OMG), I decided that a simple Chocolate Nut Cups embedded with Valdosta mix would be the perfect way to sweetly say, “Happy Holidays neighbor!” (and they might come in handy at our family Christmas party too!)
Valdosta Chocolate Nut Cups Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup chocolate morsels (I split mine 1/2 cup semisweet and 1/2 cup white)
- 1/2 cup Sahale Valdosta Pecans
- mini silicone baking cups
- baking sheet or cutting board
DIRECTIONS:
Place silicone cups on a baking sheet or cutting board. You can use any shape/design/mold you like – you just want them to be on a sturdy surface so you can move them around easily. I used small round cups but placed them in my Wilton Silicone Brownie Squares Baking Mold to create a more square shape. I could have also simply used the brownie mold itself for smaller bites – it’s totally up to you!- Melt chocolate in a double boiler or a chocolate melting pot, if you have one. In a pinch, you can easily make your own double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl in a pot of boiling water using a metal stand inside like I did or you can use a bowl with a wider rim that can simply hang inside without needing a stand. Place chocolate in bowl and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Fill cups to about 2/3 full using a small spoon. To make a layered effect, just fill half with one color and then finish off with second. Add a few pieces of Valdosta to each making sure to push them snuggly into the chocolate.
- Let cups stand for about 15-20 minutes and then refrigerate for at least an hour to set.
- Remove silicone cups, serve and enjoy! You can store these in an airtight container in the fridge as well.
Place silicone cups on a baking sheet or cutting board. You can use any shape/design/mold you like – you just want them to be on a sturdy surface so you can move them around easily. I used small round cups but placed them in my 
Melt chocolate in a double boiler or a 
Fill cups to about 2/3 full using a small spoon. To make a layered effect, just fill half with one color and then finish off with second. Add a few pieces of Valdosta to each making sure to push them snuggly into the chocolate. 
I really am truly honored to be partnering with such a great company. I can’t wait to share more of my Sahale adventures with you, including more of my very own Sahale inspired recipes!
I’m not really a fan of pecan nuts but would love to try this on almonds, can I? I simply adore almonds.
How delicious! Pecans has always been my favorite, so I can easily see myself enjoying a treat like this.