DIY Gifts: Chocolate Turtles

December 18, 2012

There are a hundred recipes for chocolate turtles and this one is especially easy.  The combination of rich chocolate, chewy caramel, and buttery nuts makes this candy an instant winner.  Chocolate turtles were first trademarked by by Johnson's Candy Company in 1918 and have been a popular candy ever since.  The original recipe contained peanuts instead of the pecans which are more common now.  Your loved ones will devour these homemade chocolate turtles instantly.

Chocolate Turtles

Ingredients:

8 squares caramels (small squares caramel candies)
1 tsp milk (or almond milk)
40 chunks pecans (40-50 pecan halves or whole almonds)
6 chunks dark chocolate (Xocai Healthy Chocolate Nuggets)
 
Directions:
 
In a double boiler, melt about 8 small caramel candy squares with milk. Place 5 pecans or almonds in a circle on wax paper to form legs and head of turtle. Pour small spoonfuls of melted caramel onto almonds or pecans in the center of the turtle to hold together. Let cool. Melt 6 Xocai Nuggets in fondue pot on low. Pour small spoonfuls of melted Nuggets over caramel then let cool.
 
Makes 8-10 turtles

Image Sources:

.