Pecan Turtle Candy

Rich and buttery, these homemade turtles will win over any heart so you may want to consider making them for your special Valentine this (and every) year!

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Every time I make these Winning Chocolate Caramel Pecan Turtle Candy, I plan on sharing the recipe but never have. It’s not like I’ve been trying to keep them a secret or anything, it’s just that I’ve been very tortoise-like with getting it done.

Today I’ll cross the finish line in regards to sharing the recipe with you. Trust me when I tell you that they’ll leave all other homemade candy in the dust! Well, maybe that’s a little strong, but I was trying to make a tortoise and the hare reference here (in case you couldn’t tell). Ha Ha!

WINNING TURTLES      {PRINT THIS RECIPE}
makes about 30-32 candies

1 cup butter (I use salted)
1 cup light corn syrup
2 1/4 cups dark brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
candy thermometer
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 pounds of pecans
1 package of chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet)
2 tablespoons of shortening

-Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and bake them in a 350-degree oven for approximately 10 minutes, being careful not to burn them. (The toasting of the nuts will bring out more of their flavor). Set aside to cool.
-Meanwhile, in a large heavy stockpot, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
-Add the corn syrup, brown sugar, and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until all the sugar has dissolved.
-Gradually add in the sweetened condensed milk and cook and stir over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
-Continue boiling the mixture, stirring frequently.  Be patient as you’ll be boiling and stirring for quite a while (approximately 15-18 minutes).
-Using a candy thermometer, boil and stir until the mixture reads 248 degrees (firm ball stage).
-Turn off the heat and stir in the pecans and vanilla extract until well combined.
-Drop tablespoon measurements of the caramel nut mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2″ apart.
-Place them in the refrigerator to set until firm.
-Melt the chocolate and the shortening together in the microwave-safe bowl on half power, in 30-second intervals, stirring until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
-Using a teaspoon dollop each turtle with chocolate (or you can drizzle chocolate over top using a piping bag or fork) and return the turtles back to the fridge to firm before serving.

 

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