CHOCOLATE TURTLES

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups pecan halves

• 1 (11 oz) bag caramels, unwrapped

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

• 1 (12 oz) bag milk chocolate chips

• 1–2 tablespoons sea salt, to taste

METHOD

Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Arrange the pecan halves into small clusters, using about 4–5 pecans per cluster.

Step 3: Place the caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth. Be careful because hot caramel can cause burns.

Step 4: Spoon a little caramel over each pecan cluster, helping the caramel hold the pecans together.

Step 5: Allow the caramel to cool until slightly firm.

Step 6: Melt the milk chocolate chips gently, stirring until smooth.

Step 7: Spoon the melted chocolate over each caramel cluster.

Step 8: Sprinkle lightly with sea salt, if desired.

Step 9: Let the chocolate set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly until firm.

Step 10: Serve and enjoy! Store in an airtight container.

YIELD

Approximately 18–24 clusters, depending on size.