A rich, classic candy from Linda Brown, also known as Turtles. Chewy caramel and pecan clusters are dipped in chocolate for an elegant, homemade confection.

Author

Linda Brown


Recipe

MeasurementsIngredients
1 (14 oz) pkgCaramels
3 tablespoonsEvaporated Milk
2 cupsPecan Pieces
1 (12 oz) pkg + 1/2 cup (18 oz total)Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1-2 Tbsps (See Note)Shortening or Coconut Oil

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Line a cookie sheet with buttered waxed paper. Unwrap all the caramels.
  2. Make Caramel Clusters: In the top of a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water), melt the caramels with the evaporated milk over low heat, stirring until smooth.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the pecan pieces.
  4. Drop the mixture by teaspoonfuls onto the buttered waxed paper. Let the clusters cool and set for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Melt Chocolate: In a clean double boiler, melt the chocolate chips with the shortening or coconut oil until smooth and glossy.
  6. Dip Clusters: Using a spoon, dip one caramel-pecan cluster at a time into the melted chocolate. Use a toothpick to help lift it out, tapping the spoon on the side of the pan to knock off excess chocolate.
  7. Return the chocolate-coated clusters to the waxed paper.
  8. Let the candies cool completely until the chocolate is hard.
  9. Store in airtight tin containers with wax paper between the layers.

Warning

The original recipe calls for paraffin wax, an old-fashioned ingredient used to make chocolate shiny and hard. For a safer and better-tasting modern alternative, replace the ¼ bar of paraffin with 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable shortening or coconut oil when melting the chocolate chips.