Dark Chocolate–Coated Mixed Nuts (Cashews, Walnuts & Pecans) — Diabetic-Friendly Snack

Description: Crunchy, soft nuts coated in high-percentage dark chocolate for satisfying sweetness with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Portion-controlled, low added-sugar, and easy to chew. Makes a batch you can portion into single servings for safe, consistent treats for two Type 2 diabetics.

Ingredients (with glycemic index for each ingredient)

• 8 oz raw cashews — GI: 22
• 4 oz raw walnuts (halves or pieces) — GI: 15
• 4 oz raw pecan halves — GI: 10
• 6 oz 85% dark chocolate (or 70–85% depending on taste) — GI: 23
• 1 tsp extra-virgin coconut oil (optional, to thin chocolate) — GI: 0
• 1/8 tsp fine sea salt (optional, enhances flavor) — GI: 0
• Optional finishing: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon or 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt (both GI: 0)

Equipment

• Double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water (or microwave-safe bowl)
• Baking sheet lined with parchment
• Small spoon or fork for coating
• Kitchen scale or measuring cups
• Airtight containers or small portion cups (about 1 oz / 28–30 g portions)

Instructions

1. Lightly toast nuts (optional, but deepens flavor): Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Spread nuts on a baking sheet and toast 6–8 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely.
2. Portion nuts: Mix cooled nuts and weigh/divide into 1-oz (28–30 g) portions — about 12 portions total (roughly 16 oz nuts).
3. Melt chocolate:
   • Double boiler: Gently melt chocolate with coconut oil over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
   • Microwave: Heat in 20–30 sec bursts, stirring between bursts, until smooth; add coconut oil if needed to loosen.
4. Coat nuts: Working in small batches, drop a portion of nuts into the melted chocolate and stir to coat. Use a fork/spoon to lift clusters or individual nuts, letting excess chocolate drip back.
5. Plate: Place coated nuts on parchment in small clusters or single-layer pieces. Sprinkle sea salt or cinnamon immediately if using.
6. Set: Chill in refrigerator 15–25 minutes until chocolate firms. For quicker set, freeze 8–10 minutes then transfer to fridge.
7. Store: Keep in airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 weeks or freezer up to 3 months. Portion into single-serve containers (1 oz each) to help with portion control and resisting binges.

Serving size

• 1 oz (28–30 g) portion (~10–12 coated nut pieces), recommended.

Estimated Nutrition Facts per 1-oz (28 g) serving (FDA-style, AI-generated — approximate)