Chocolate Nut Clusters - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups heavy cream
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, chopped
1-1/2 cups light corn syrup
Scant 1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
Pinch of salt
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
3-1/4 cups cashews, pecans OR walnuts
14 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
2 Tbsp vegetable shortening

Preparation

Lightly oil two baking sheets.
In a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat, cook the first six ingredients until the sugars dissolve and the butter melts.
Bring to a boil and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 hour, until the caramel reaches 238\u00b0F (soft ball stage) on a candy thermometer.