Homemade Turtles

Homemade Turtles are a delightful confection that combines the nutty crunch of pecans, the rich chewiness of caramel, and the smooth sweetness of chocolate. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holidays, gifts, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. The optional sea salt adds a sophisticated touch, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the flavors.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pecan halves (roasted, lightly salted)
• 25 caramel squares (about 1 heaping cup), unwrapped
• ¼ cup cream or half-and-half, divided
• About 16 ounces roughly chopped chocolate (use a mix of 8 ounces dark and 8 ounces milk chocolate)
• Sea salt, optional for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Sheets:

• Line two baking sheets or large platters with parchment paper. Ensure they can fit in your fridge or freezer for quick setting.

1. Arrange Pecans:

• Create small piles of pecans on the lined sheets, using 5 to 6 pieces per pile. Overlap the pecans slightly to minimize gaps and prevent caramel from seeping through.

1. Melt Caramels:

• In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel squares and half of the cream. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth (about 3 to 4 minutes total). Alternatively, melt the caramels on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

1. Add Caramel to Pecans:

• Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the melted caramel onto each pecan pile. Set aside to cool slightly.

1. Melt Chocolate:

• In another medium microwave-safe bowl, melt 8 ounces of chocolate in 15-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth (about 1 minute total). Work in smaller batches for better control. Melt additional chocolate as needed.

1. Add Chocolate to Caramel-Pecan Clusters:

• Dollop about 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate over each caramel-covered pecan cluster, allowing it to flow down the sides and cover the caramel.

1. Optional Sea Salt:

• If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each Turtle for an extra layer of flavor.

1. Set the Turtles:

• Allow the Turtles to firm up at room temperature (this may take several hours) or speed up the process by placing them in the fridge or freezer for about 15 minutes.

1. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the Turtles are firm, they are ready to serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Tips

• Pecans: Using roasted and lightly salted pecans adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If using raw pecans, consider toasting them lightly before assembling.
• Caramel Melting: Stirring frequently and melting in short intervals helps prevent the caramel from burning. If using a stove, keep the heat low and stir constantly.
• Chocolate Melting: Melting chocolate in smaller batches ensures smoother, more manageable chocolate. Use good quality chocolate for the best results.
• Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the sweetness and add a gourmet touch.
• Storage: Store Turtles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer freshness.

These Homemade Turtles are a perfect combination of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion!