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At the heart of gourmet homemade treats, chocolate turtles delight with their perfect blend of crunchy nuts, smooth caramel, and rich chocolate. Ideal for gift-giving or as a luxurious treat to enjoy at home, these confections promise to captivate any sweet tooth. Let’s delve into the art of making exquisite homemade chocolate turtles that not only rival but exceed store-bought versions.
Ingredients Overview
To craft these delightful treats, we need high-quality ingredients that blend seamlessly for a perfect taste and texture:
- Chocolate: Choose high-quality semi-sweet or milk chocolate for a glossy finish and rich flavor.
- Caramel: Homemade or premium store-bought caramel ensures a soft, chewy texture.
- Nuts: Pecans are traditional, but walnuts or almonds also work beautifully.
Step-by-Step Creation Process
Preparing the Chocolate Base
- Melting the Chocolate:
- Double boiler method: Place chocolate pieces in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bowl.
- Microwave method: Heat in short bursts, stirring between each, until fully melted.
- Forming the Base:
- Spoon melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined tray. Form small circles, spreading evenly.
Assembling the Turtles
- Adding Nuts:
- While the chocolate is still soft, press a handful of nuts into each chocolate base.
- Applying Caramel:
- Warm the caramel until it’s pourable but not too runny.
- Spoon a dollop of caramel over the nuts, allowing it to slightly spread.
- Final Chocolate Layer:
- Drizzle or spoon more melted chocolate over the caramel to encase the filling.
Cooling and Setting
- Allow the turtles to set at room temperature or chill them in the refrigerator for faster setting.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Perfect Pairings
- Beverages: Pair these chocolate turtles with coffee or a glass of red wine to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Occasions: Ideal for Christmas, Valentine’s, or as a special treat during family gatherings.
Health and Dietary Considerations
- Substitutions: Use sugar-free chocolate and caramel for a diabetic-friendly version.
- Allergies: Ensure nut-free versions by substituting seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
Conclusion
Creating homemade chocolate turtles is not just about mixing ingredients; it’s an art of balancing flavors and textures that result in a delightful treat. By following this detailed guide, one can easily craft gourmet-quality chocolate turtles that are perfect for any occasion. Embrace the joy of making these classic confections and share the luxury with friends and family. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcomes!
Ingredients
- 1 cups pecan halves
- 12 ounces Caramelos or baking caramels ,approximately 55 caramel squares
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup chocolate chips , milk, dark or semi sweet
- 2 teaspoons vegetable shortening or coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt (optional) or fleur de sel
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
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With a sharp knife, roughly chop the pecans reserving 15 halves to top the turtles. No need to be precise with the chopping, we are just looking for small pieces. Fifthteen halves will make for half the batch being pecan topped and the other half being sea salt topped.
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On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking liner, make little piles of chopped pecans (about 1 tablespoon each).
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Place the caramels and cream in a large, microwave safe bowl or the top of a simmering double boiler. Stir the caramels with the cream until they are melted and smooth. If using a microwave, use 20 second intervals and stir between each interval.
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While the caramel is warm, pour 1 tablespoon of caramel over each pecan pile.
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Place the tray in the freezer for a few minutes to set the caramel while you melt the chocolate.
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Place the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave safe bowl or top of a simmering double boiler and heat until melted and smooth. If using a microwave, use 10 second intervals stirring between each interval.
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Remove the turtles from the freezer and drizzle chocolate over each caramel cluster.
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Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with sea salt or press a pecan half on the top.
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Place the turtles in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to set, then move to an airtight container for storage. Be sure to separate each layer of turtles with wax or parchment paper.
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If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!