Recipe: Christmas Turtles 🎄🐢
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 turtles
Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: Fruit, Nuts, Low Protein, Christmas, < 30 Mins, Stove Top
Description:
Surprisingly simple to make, these caramel, chocolate, and pecan candies are also an excellent party favor. Why buy them when you can make them at home yourself and they taste oh so much better!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/4 cup vanilla extract
- 1 cup bittersweet chocolate
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 180.3
- Fat: 13.5g
- Saturated Fat: 5.2g
- Cholesterol: 25.9mg
- Sodium: 25.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 15.5g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugar: 10.6g
- Protein: 1.2g
Instructions:
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Prepare Cookie Sheets: Begin by buttering 2 large nonstick cookie sheets and set them aside for later.
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Arrange Pecans: On the prepared sheets, artfully arrange pecan halves in clusters, resembling adorable turtles, ensuring there’s enough space between each cluster for the caramel and chocolate to embrace them fully.
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Make Caramel: In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the cream, sugar, corn syrup, milk, and butter. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a silky-smooth mixture.
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Heat and Monitor: Once the sugar is dissolved, attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Crank up the heat to high and let the mixture come to a rolling boil without any stirring. Keep a keen eye on the thermometer; when it registers a delightful 234°F and the mixture turns a rich golden hue, and the bubbles thicken, you know it’s ready. This typically takes about 15 minutes of patient simmering, occasionally swirling the pan to distribute the heat evenly.
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Add Vanilla: With a tantalizing aroma wafting through your kitchen, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the fragrant vanilla extract, infusing the caramel with a hint of warmth and sweetness.
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Assemble Turtles: Moving swiftly, drop a generous tablespoon of the luscious caramel onto the center of each pecan cluster, ensuring they’re evenly coated in this golden goodness. Allow them to cool slightly, enticing your senses with their caramel allure.
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Melt Chocolate: While the caramel-coated pecans are cooling, let’s work on the chocolate drizzle. In a double boiler set-up, gently melt the bittersweet chocolate, stirring it until it transforms into a velvety liquid, ready to cascade over our sweet creations.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Once the chocolate reaches its glossy peak, grab a spoon and drizzle a tablespoon of it over each caramel-coated pecan cluster, with finesse and flair, ensuring they’re adorned in a decadent chocolate embrace.
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Chill and Set: Now, place your artisanal turtles in the refrigerator to chill, allowing the chocolate to set and firm up, typically taking around 30 minutes. This brief interlude builds anticipation for the delightful indulgence that awaits.
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Serve or Store: Once the chocolate has set and your turtles are firm to the touch, they’re ready to be savored or shared. These delectable treats can be made up to 1 week ahead, just cover them snugly and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to enjoy another delightful bite of homemade bliss.
With this recipe, you’ll not only delight your taste buds but also impress your loved ones with your culinary prowess. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the sweet magic of Christmas Turtles fill your kitchen with joy and merriment! 🎄🐢
