Turtle Chocolate Caramel Pecan Squares Food

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL PECAN TURTLES

Steps:

• Toast pecans at 300 degrees on a cookie sheet for 5 to 6 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
• Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment paper and spray lightly with non stick cooking spray.
• Arrange the pecans on the sheet in small groups of 3.
• To make the caramel, melt butter in a medium sized sauce pan.
• Add brown sugar, corn syrup, 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk.
• Cook and stir over medium high heat until it reaches 235 degrees on your candy thermometer or the soft ball stage. (Clings together well when you drop 1/2 teaspoon of caramel in cold water).
• Then remove the caramel from heat and stir in vanilla. Carefully spoon caramel over each nut cluster covering all the nuts.
• For the chocolate topping melt the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl or big glass measuring cup. Heat for 30 seconds at a time stirring after each interval until all melted and smooth.
• Then add in 1/2 teaspoon shortening to the melted chocolate chips. Stir all together until its blended in.
• Spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel and spread around with the back of a spoon.
• Once they set up you can eat them or store them in an airtight container.
• Great for gift giving and holiday parties.

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL PECAN TURTLE BARS

Steps:

• Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated 300°F oven until they darken slightly in color and begin to give off a nutty toasted aroma, about 4 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 metal baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
• Add flour, brown sugar, and butter to the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture becomes a very crumbly dough.
• Pour the dough into the prepared pan and gently press the dough into the bottom of the pan to create a solid crust. Make sure the crust reaches all the way into the edges and corners of the pan and that there are no holes in the crust.
• Bake the crust until it's a light golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the caramel pecan layer.
• In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve. Let the mixture boil without stirring for 1 minute, then remove the pan from the heat.
• Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the shortbread crust and pour the caramel over the pecans.
• Return the pan to the oven and bake the bars until the caramel is bubbling and darkens slightly in color, about 15 minutes. Remove the bars from the oven a let cool completely.*
• Once the bars have cooled, prepare the chocolate ganache. Place the chocolate in a medium bowl and set aside. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until it's just simmering (not boiling!). Pour the warm cream over the chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Then gently whisk the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
• Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled bars and spread it into an even layer using a spatula. Let the chocolate set before sprinkling with salt (optional), slicing, and serving the bars.

TURTLE CHOCOLATE CARAMEL-PECAN SQUARES

Steps:

• Set oven to 350 degrees.
• Set the oven rack to the middle postion.
• Butter and flour a 9-inch baking pan (tap off excess flour in the pan).
• For the chocolate layer: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the chocolate and the butter over low heat, stirring until smooth; remove the pan from the heat, cool the mixture to lukewarm.
• Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla.
• Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well with a wooden spoon, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
• In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and the salt; add to the chocolate mixture, beating JUST until the batter is combined well.
• Add in the mini chocolate chips (if using).
• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake in the middle of the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chocolate layer tests done.
• Cool completely on a rack.
• For the caramel-pecan layer: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the sugar, corn syrup, water and a Pinch of salt to a boil, over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
• Then boil the mixture WITHOUT stirring, until the mixture turns a golden caramel.
• Remove pan from the heat, and carefully add the cream and vanilla (be careful, the mixture will bubble up, and steam).
• Stir in the pecans, and QUICKLY pour the mixture over the chocolate layer in the pan, spreading evenly.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel for garnish if desired.
• Chill the chocolate-caramel squares, loosely covered, until the caramel if firm (at least 4 hours).
• Cut into 16 squares.
• Let the squares come to room temperature before eating.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.

CARAMEL PECAN TURTLE CHOCOLATE CANDIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325.
• Grease a large cookie sheet well.
• Arrange 4 pecan halves in a cluster, flat side down on cookie sheet.
• Repeat with the rest of the pecan halves.
• Place one caramel on top of each cluster.
• Heat in oven until caramels are softened, about 4-6 minutes.
• Press caramels flat with the bottom of a buttered spatula (you may have to butter the spatula after every 2 or 3 caramels, or it will get very sticky).
• Remove caramels evenly onto waxed paper.
• Melt chocolate in double boiler, or in microwave on medium high, stirring every 25 seconds until just melted.
• Spoon over caramel-pecan clusters.
• Let cool a few hours.
• Makes 26.

CHOCOLATE-CARAMEL-PECAN PRETZEL BITES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Put the pecan halves on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake, shaking the sheet once halfway through, until lightly toasted, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the nuts to a plate to cool.
• Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the pretzels neatly on the baking sheet, then top each pretzel with an unwrapped caramel. Bake until the caramels soften (but are definitely not melting), 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently press a pecan half onto each caramel, just enough for the caramel to fill the pretzel. Set aside to cool completely.
• Remove the cooled pretzel/caramels from the baking sheet. Spoon 24 small dollops (1 1/2-teaspoon helpings) of the melted chocolate all over the baking sheet, then lightly drop a pretzel onto the middle of each dollop, making sure the pretzel is centered. Allow them to cool completely before serving (you can hasten this along in the fridge).

CHOCOLATE-COVERED CARAMEL NUT TURTLES

Steps:

• Combine the sugars, syrup, butter and 1 cup of the evaporated milk, and bring to a boil. Add the other cup of evaporated milk slowly, stirring constantly, and cook until it reaches 255 degrees on a candy thermometer. Add the vanilla and pecans and mix well. Pour into a 9 by 11-inch greased pan and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature, cut into squares then dip in chocolate. If you'd like to make a turtle, spoon dollops of the caramel pecan mixture onto a greased sheet pan, with 5 pecans in each mound (4 legs and head). Refrigerate to set, then dip in chocolate.;

CHOCOLATE PECAN SANDWICH COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Spread pecan halves on a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until roasty and fragrant. Remove from the oven and cool. Transfer the pecans to a cutting board and give them a rough chop. Allow chopped pecans to cool completely.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter, half of the sugar (1/4 cup), and vanilla until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula and add the flour, cocoa powder and salt mixture. Mix on low until all of the dry ingredients are incorporated. Add the pecans and the sprinkles and mix until just combined.
• Line a work surface with a large piece of parchment paper. Scrape the dough out onto the parchment paper and gather it together with your hands. Roll into a 6 1/2-inch-long log that is about 2 inches wide. Tightly wrap the dough in parchment paper, twisting the ends so it's airtight. Refrigerate until the dough is firm, for 2 hours or overnight.
• Set an oven rack in the middle position. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• Spread the remaining granulated sugar on a plate and roll the log in the sugar to coat completely.
• Slice the log into eighteen 1/4-inch discs and place them on the baking sheet evenly spaced apart. Bake in the center of the oven until the cookies are no longer shiny and slightly puffed; begin checking for doneness at 16 minutes. Let cool on the pans.
• Using a 1/2-ounce scoop or a spoon, dollop about 1 tablespoon of the filling on the bottom of 12 of the cooled cookies. Sandwich with another half and smush lightly. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container on the counter until you eat them all.
• Cream together butter and caramel until smooth. Add powdered sugar and salt and whip until combined and light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.

CHOCOLATE PECAN CARAMELS

Steps:

• Line a 13x9-in. pan with foil; butter the foil with 1 tablespoon butter. Sprinkle with pecans and chocolate chips; set aside. , In a heavy saucepan, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup and water. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil. Stir in milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer reads 248° (firm-ball stage)., Remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour into prepared pan (do not scrape saucepan). Cool completely before cutting.

TURTLE BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix flour, 1 cup brown sugar, and 3/4 cup butter in processor until well blended and crumbly. Press mixture evenly into ungreased 9x13x2-inch metal baking dish. Bake until crust is light golden, about 15 minutes. Maintain oven temperature.
• Meanwhile, bring remaining 3/4 cup brown sugar, 3/4 cup butter, and cream to boil in small saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Boil 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Remove caramel from heat.
• Sprinkle pecans over crust. Pour caramel over pecans. Bake until bubbles form and color darkens, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let stand until chocolate melts, about 5 minutes. Using offset spatula, spread chocolate evenly over top. Chill bars until chocolate sets, about 20 minutes. Cut into 1-inch squares.

CHOCOLATE TURTLES

Steps:

• In a double boiler or microwave, melt caramels and milk. Stir until smooth. Place pecan halves in groups of three on a greased baking sheet. Spoon melted caramel over pecans (1 scant tablespoon over each cluster). , Refrigerate. Melt chocolate chips and shortening; spread over clusters. Keep refrigerated.

PECAN TURTLE BARS

Steps:

• Combine flour, sugar and butter, press into 9 x 13 pan.
• Place pecan halves 1 inch apart all over the crust, sprinkle remaining chopped pecans over the crust.
• To make caramel topping, put 2/3 cup butter and 1/2 brown sugar in a saucepan.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it boils.
• Boil 30 seconds stirring constantly.
• Pour caramel layer over the crust.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes. (Underbake as opposed to overbake).
• Sprinkle milk chocolate chips over the top.
• Let it stand until chocolate gets melty, then swirl it.

BUTTER PECAN TURTLE BARS

Steps:

• Set oven to 350 degrees.
• Prepare a 13x9-inch baking pan.
• In a bowl, combine flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup butter; blend with fork until crumbly.
• Pat the mixture onto bottom of prepared baking pan.
• Sprinkle pecan halves evenly over the unbaked crust; set aside.
• In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar with 2/3 cup butter.
• Cook, over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to boil; boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Drizzle the caramel mixture over pecans and crust in baking dish.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cacamel layer is bubbly, and crust is light brown.
• Remove from oven, and immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips.
• Spread chips evenly as they melt.
• Cool completely before cutting into bars.