HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE PECAN TURTLE CLUSTERS

RECIPE :

HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE PECAN TURTLE CLUSTERS

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 1/2 C pecans
• 1/2 C butter (I use salted)
• 1 C brown sugar
• 1/2 C light corn syrup
• 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1/2 of a 14 ounce can)
• 1/2 t vanilla
• 1 (12 ounce) package milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 t shortening (I use butter flavored Crisco)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Toast 2 1/2 cups of pecans in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they darken slightly and emit a fragrant aroma. This should take just a few minutes.
2. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper, then spray the paper with cooking spray. Arrange the pecans into clusters, typically in groups of three, leaving about an inch of space between each cluster.
3. Prepare the caramel: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Add 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of light corn syrup, and 7 ounces of sweetened condensed milk. Increase the heat slightly and stir continuously. Cook and stir until it reaches a temperature of 235-240 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider removing it from heat at around 234 degrees, as it will continue to rise in temperature even without direct heat. This ensures the caramel reaches the right texture.
4. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla.
5. Drizzle about 1 1/2 teaspoons of caramel carefully over each nut cluster, working quickly as the caramel sets up. Ensure there is caramel touching all the nuts, acting as glue to stick them together.
6. In a microwave-safe bowl, place 12 ounces of milk chocolate chips. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted.
7. Add 1/2 teaspoon of shortening to the melted chocolate. Let it sit for a minute or two to melt and make the chocolate more spreadable. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
8. Spoon about 1 1/2 teaspoons of melted chocolate over the caramel and nuts. Swirl it around the top, creating an attractive pattern with your spoon.
9. Allow the chocolate to set up. Once it has hardened and cooled, you can either serve the clusters immediately or transfer them to an airtight container.