Irresistible Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters

Ingredients:
– 1 cup pecan halves
– 1 cup caramel sweets (or soft caramels)
– 2 cups chocolate chips (milk or dark)
– 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional for a salty-sweet touch)
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Instructions:
1. Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This will be your working area for the clusters.
2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the caramel sweets gently, stirring frequently until smooth. If desired, add a tablespoon of heavy cream for a silkier consistency.
3. Once the caramel is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
5. Now, for assembling! Place a small mound of pecan halves on the prepared baking sheet. Use about 3 to 4 halves per cluster.
6. Drizzle the warm caramel over the pecans, making sure to cover them well. You can even create a small pool of caramel if you prefer.
7. Finally, drizzle or spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel-covered pecans. Get creative with your chocolate – swirl it, let it drape over the side or cover it entirely!
8. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cluster if using.
9. Place your baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate set completely.
10. Once set, enjoy your irresistibly sweet and crunchy chocolate pecan turtle clusters! Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutritional Information:
Each turtle cluster contains approximately 150 calories, with around 2 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, and 10 grams of sugar.
Time: Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes
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