The Twelve Days of Christmas Recipes-Day 1, Chocolate Covered Almonds

I decided to try something fun for between now and Christmas.  Introducing...the Twelve Days of Christmas Recipes!  Each day I'll post a recipe for something that I traditionally make around Christmastime.  It could be cookies, candies, or meals.  Or, it could be none of the above!  At the end of each post, I'll include a passage from Luke leading up to the birth of Christ.  Merry Christmas!

Day 1: Chocolate Covered Almonds
First, you'll need some basic ingredients:
1 16 oz. package of roasted, unsalted almonds
1 1/4 C semi-sweet chocolate chips (I prefer Hershey's)
2 Tbsp shortening
1 1/2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (I prefer Hershey's)

First, melt your chocolate and shortening over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent burning.  Once melted, set aside to cool slightly.

Place two or three cooling racks on the counter and cover them with parchment paper. 

Pour your almonds in a medium-sized bowl.  Pour the cooled chocolate over the nuts, and stir until all of the nuts are coated.

Spread the nuts in a single layer across the parchment paper, and allow to set overnight.  You can place them in the fridge if you have room to help the process.

Lick the chocolate out of the bowl.  You've earned it.

The next day, break up the nuts into individual pieces or very small clusters.  Place them in a resealable bag.  Add to the bag 2 tbsp cocoa powder.

Shake the bag until all of the pieces are coated with powder.

Pour into a sealed container.  You have a delicious and somewhat healthy treat! 

Luke 2: 1-3: In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to their own town to register.