Decadent Pecan Chocolate Clusters: A Holiday Delight! 🍫🌰
Pecan Delights Recipe
Description: This delightful recipe, straight from a holiday catalog from Taste of Home, will transport you to the joyous memories of enjoying “Turtles,” which were my dad’s all-time favorite treat! 🎄🐢
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 48 clusters
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 1/4 | cups brown sugar |
| 1 | cup butter |
| 1 | cup margarine |
| 1/8 | cup light corn syrup |
| 1 | pinch salt |
| 1 | can sweetened condensed milk |
| 1 1/2 | teaspoons vanilla extract |
| 1 | cup whole pecans |
| 2 | tablespoons shortening |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients listed above.
-
Cook Sugar Mixture:
- In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, margarine, light corn syrup, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat until all the sugar is completely dissolved.
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Add Milk:
- Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk, ensuring it mixes well with the sugar mixture.
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Cook to Firm Ball Stage:
- Continue cooking the mixture, stirring constantly, until it reaches a temperature of 248°F on a candy thermometer, also known as the firm ball stage.
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Add Vanilla:
- Once it reaches the desired temperature, remove the mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, infusing the candy with its rich flavor.
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Fold in Pecans:
- Gently fold in the whole pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Form Clusters:
- Drop the candy mixture by tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet or a sheet lined with parchment paper, forming clusters.
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Chill:
- Place the clusters in the refrigerator to chill until firm.
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Prepare Chocolate Drizzle:
- In a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler, melt together the chocolate and shortening until smooth and creamy.
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Drizzle Chocolate:
- Once the clusters are firm, drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over each pecan cluster, adding a decadent touch to each delightful bite.
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Cool Completely:
- Allow the chocolate drizzle to set completely before serving, ensuring the clusters are cool and ready to enjoy!
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Serve and Enjoy: Delight in these Pecan Delights with family and friends, savoring each sweet and nutty bite that’s bursting with flavor!
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a special treat for your loved ones, or simply a weeknight indulgence. Enjoy the rich combination of flavors and the crunchy texture of pecans in every bite! 🍫🌰
