Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel

#### 1. **Toast the Pecans**:
Start by **toasting the pecans**. Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them for about **5-7 minutes**, or until they become fragrant and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool.

#### 2. **Make the Caramel**:
If you’re making homemade caramel, this step adds the rich, buttery flavor that will make your turtles truly decadent. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine **butter**, **brown sugar**, and **heavy cream**. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble. Let it simmer for about **4-5 minutes** until it thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly. If you’re using store-bought caramel, simply heat it gently in the microwave or on the stove until it’s smooth and pourable.

#### 3. **Prepare the Chocolate**:
While the caramel is cooling, melt the **chocolate** in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Alternatively, you can melt it over a double boiler if you prefer. This will form the outer layer of your turtle candies.

#### 4. **Assemble the Turtles**:
Now comes the fun part! Line a baking sheet with **wax paper** or **parchment paper** to prevent the candies from sticking. Arrange the **toasted pecans** into small clusters on the baking sheet—about 4-5 pecan halves per cluster.

Next, spoon a small amount of **caramel** over the pecans, allowing it to drip down the sides a bit. Don’t worry about making it perfect, as the chocolate will help hold everything together.

#### 5. **Cover with Chocolate**:
Spoon the **melted chocolate** over the caramel and pecans to cover them completely. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle it on evenly. Let the chocolate flow over the sides, creating a nice smooth coating.

#### 6. **Add Finishing Touches**:
If desired, sprinkle a pinch of **sea salt** on top of each candy while the chocolate is still warm. This adds a wonderful touch that brings out the sweet and salty flavors even more. If you want to get a bit creative, you can also drizzle a little more melted chocolate on top in a decorative pattern.

#### 7. **Chill and Set**:
Once the candies are assembled, place the baking sheet in the fridge for about **30 minutes** to allow the chocolate to set and harden. The caramel will also firm up slightly during this time, making it easier to bite into.

### How to Store Homemade Turtle Candy

Once your **Homemade Turtle Candies** have set, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to **one week**. If you want them to last a bit longer, keep them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to **two weeks**. You can also freeze these candies for up to **two months**—just make sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.

### Why These Turtles Are a Favorite

– **Perfect Texture**: The combination of crunchy pecans, smooth caramel, and rich chocolate is the ultimate treat for your taste buds. It’s got that satisfying crunch and chewy texture, balanced by the smoothness of the caramel and the velvety chocolate coating.
– **Customizable**: You can play around with different types of nuts (such as cashews or almonds), switch up the chocolate (dark or white chocolate), or even add a hint of vanilla or cinnamon to the caramel for a unique twist.
– **Great for Gifting**: These candies make for a thoughtful and delicious gift. Package them up in a decorative box or a mason jar with a pretty ribbon, and you’ve got a homemade treat that will wow friends and family.

### Final Thoughts

**Homemade Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel** is a sweet and savory treat that will quickly become a family favorite. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a gourmet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting them to someone special, these candies are sure to impress. The combination of crunchy pecans, rich caramel, and creamy chocolate is truly irresistible—and once you make them, you’ll understand why they’re a hit every time!

So grab your ingredients and get ready to make the ultimate **turtle candy**—your taste buds will thank you!