Keto Pecan Turtle Bark Food

KETO TURTLES OR CARAMEL PECAN CLUSTERS

Steps:

• In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until melted.
• Turn heat down to a low simmer and simmer 5 minutes, or until a deep golden brown. Stir occasionally and be careful not to let it burn!
• Stir in the sweetener, maple-flavored syrup, and molasses. Return to a low simmer. Then, simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Again, be careful not to let it burn! *Note-If using the timer, you may need to exit out of the ad at the bottom of the page to see it.
• In a small bowl, mix together the xanthan gum and 1 tsp. of melted butter or oil. Add the heavy cream and xanthan gum mixture. Stir until combined and slightly thickened.
• Remove from heat and stir in the pure vanilla, water, sea salt, and pecans.
• Prepare one of the chocolate coating recipes below and set aside.
• For chocolate coating number 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drop Tablespoon-sized amounts of the caramel pecan mixture onto the parchment paper. Then, Drizzle the chocolate over the caramel pecans, roughly 1 to 2 tsp. per cluster. Place in freezer for 30 minutes to an hour, or until the caramel and chocolate are set. Store, tightly covered, in the fridge for up to 1 month or in the freezer up to 3 months.
• For chocolate coating number 2: Line a mini muffin tin with 15 liners. Evenly divide the caramel pecan mixture between the muffin cups. Drizzle the chocolate over the caramel pecans, evenly dividing between each cup. Place in freezer for 30 minutes to an hour, or until the caramel and chocolate are set. Store, tightly covered, in the fridge for up to 1 month or in the freezer up to 3 months.

CHEWY CARAMEL TURTLE BARK

Steps:

• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the pecan halves across the paper in a single layer. Set the tray of pecans near the stove. Combine the butter, sugar, honey, milk and salt in a heavy bottomed saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat. When the mixture has melted together and is smooth, increase the heat to medium high and continue stirring constantly with a heat-proof spatula or wooden spoon. The mixture should come to a rolling boil. Let it cook until the temperature reaches 230-235 degrees. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
• Pour the caramel mixture over the pecans in an even layer. Use a spatula to spread it across if needed. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or so, until the caramel is cool. Melt the chocolate and the oil in a small mixing bowl in the microwave, 50% power for 2-2 1/2 minutes, stopping to stir after the first minute and then every 30 seconds as needed. When most of the chocolate has melted and you are able to stir it, remove from the microwave and stir until smooth. It will continue melting as it rests.
• Pour the chocolate over the top of the caramel and pecans and spread across the caramel with a spatula. Chill in the refrigerator an additional 30 minutes, until the chocolate is firm. Remove from the refrigerator and use the parchment paper to lift the bark onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice into pieces. Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy!