PECAN TURTLES

Pecan Turtles image

I made these "turtle-like" concoctions one Christmas for a sweets exchange. My dad saw them on the counter waiting to be boxed up and couldn't believe I made them. He said they looked like they came from a candy shop. That's the best compliment I've ever received. -Carrie Burke Conway, Massachusetts

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h15m

Yield about 6 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 teaspoon plus 1 cup butter, divided
1 cup light corn syrup
2-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 pounds pecan halves, toasted
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
4 teaspoons shortening

Steps:

Line baking sheets with waxed paper; lightly coat with cooking spray and set aside. Butter the sides of a heavy saucepan with 1 teaspoon butter. Cube remaining butter; place in pan. Add the corn syrup, brown sugar and salt. Cook and stir until sugar is melted., Gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 248° (firm-ball stage), about 16 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Gently stir in pecans. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate until firm, about 12 minutes. , In a microwave, melt chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over clusters. Chill until firm. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 328 calories, Fat 22g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 94mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (29g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.