I did this for the first time last year and it was a huge hit. I altered it by just using the dark chocolate and sprinkled crushed candy canes, candies orange peel or crushed red-hots on batches. It was fabulous. Also, starting in September, I begin buying 2-3 bars of the baker's chocolate at a time so that by early December when I am ready to cook, the cost has been spread over time and I can be generous!

I love this recipe. It is so incredibly easy to make and people love it. I make it every winter and give it to co-workers and others as a holiday treat. I also made it for a dessert buffet party I had along with a bunch of other Martha recipes. Read more about it here http://gustatorydelight.wordpress.com/2011/05/25/a-dessert-buffet-fit-for-a-mom-to-be/

salted cashews and dried cherries are a delicious combination.
i use milk chocolate instead

I made it a few days before Christmas, it was okay. I think if I make it next time I will use milk chocolate instead, and use almonds or something else, the salt in the nuts melts and crystalized in the chocolate, and I just think it would taste better with milk chocolate and white chocolate and unsalted nuts

So easy and delicious! I made three batches in less than an hour and packaged them in lovely snowflake bags tied up with glittery ribbon. I included the recipe on the tag. Fun to make with kids.

I made this during the day of Christmas Eve

I'm tempted to try this with almonds instead. Sounds delicious and easy!

I'm tempted to try this with almonds instead. Sounds delicious and easy!