Hazelnut and Cherry Clusters

• 4 ounces white chocolate or 4 ounces white chocolate baking squares, chopped
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 1 12 cups coarsely chopped hazelnuts (filberts) or 1 12 cups almonds, toasted
• 13 cup dried tart cherries or 13 cup dried cranberries
• 12 vanilla caramels, unwrapped
• 2 teaspoons butter

1. Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Butter the foil; set baking sheet aside.
3. In a small heavy saucepan melt white chocolate and shortening over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
4. Remove from heat; stir in hazel-nuts and cherries.
5. Let stand for 10 minutes to allow mixture to set up slightly.
6. Drop by a rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheet.
7. In another small heavy saucepan combine caramels and butter.
8. Cook and stir over low heat until melted and smooth (if mixture is too thick to drizzle, stir in 2 teaspoons hot water).
9. Remove from heat; drizzle caramel mixture over candy clusters.
10. Let stand 1 hour or until firm.
11. Store tightly covered for up to 3 days.

white chocolate, shortening, hazelnuts, cherries, vanilla caramels, butter

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/hazelnut-and-cherry-clusters-46104 (may not work)