Ingredients:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup soft caramel candies (wrapped)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pecan Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Melt the Caramel: In a small saucepan, combine the soft caramel candies and milk over low heat. Stir continuously until the caramel is melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Form the Turtle Candies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place clusters of toasted pecans (about 4-5 pecans per cluster) on the parchment. Drizzle the melted caramel over each pecan cluster, allowing some caramel to pool around the nuts.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
- Top with Chocolate: Using a spoon, drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-covered pecans, ensuring they are well-coated. You can also use a piping bag for more precision.
- Add Sea Salt: If desired, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each chocolate-covered cluster for added flavor.
- Cool and Set: Allow the turtle candies to cool at room temperature until the chocolate hardens. You can also refrigerate them for faster setting.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, gently remove the turtle candies from the parchment paper. Serve them as a delicious treat or package them as gifts!
These turtle candies are a delightful combination of crunchy pecans, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!