Certainly! Making homemade turtle candy with pecans and caramel is a delightful and relatively simple process. Here’s a basic recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup soft caramels (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (dark or milk chocolate)
- Sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions:
- Prepare Pecans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they become fragrant. Make sure to stir them halfway through to ensure even toasting. Set aside to cool.
- Caramel Layer:
- While the pecans are toasting, melt the caramels. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl, following the instructions on the package, or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently until the caramels are completely melted and smooth.
- Assembly:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange clusters of toasted pecans on the parchment paper, leaving enough space between each cluster for the caramel and chocolate.
- Add Caramel:
- Spoon a small amount of melted caramel onto each cluster of pecans, creating a layer that binds the pecans together. You can shape the caramel with a spoon to create a rounded mound.
- Cooling:
- Allow the caramel to cool and set. You can place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for faster cooling.
- Melt Chocolate:
- Melt the chocolate chips either in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring at 20-second intervals until smooth.
- Coat in Chocolate:
- Spoon melted chocolate over each caramel-pecan cluster, ensuring that it coats the entire surface. Use the back of the spoon to smooth the chocolate.
- Finishing Touch:
- Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate while it’s still wet to add a delightful contrast in flavor.
- Set and Serve:
- Allow the chocolate to set. You can place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator for a quicker setting process.
- Once completely set, peel the turtle candies off the parchment paper and store them in an airtight container.
Enjoy your homemade turtle candies with pecans and caramel! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or add a touch of your favorite flavorings to customize the recipe to your liking.