Anyone that knows me knows I LOVE and make The Best Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters. Just the combination of the pecan clusters mixed with creamy caramel and chocolate and a light sprinkling of coarse salt makes me shudder with anticipation just thinking about it!INGREDIENTS2 1/2 cup pecan halves1 stick butter butter1 packed cup brown sugar1/2 cup light corn syrup3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk1/2 teaspoon vanilla1 12 ounce package milk chocolate chips1/2 teaspoon shorteningHow to Make Chocolate Pecan Turtle ClustersIn a large skillet, toast the pecans over medium high heart for a few minutes.Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.Arrange the toasted pecans in groups of 3 leaving about an inch of space between each group. Set aside.In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Cook and stir continuously until it reaches 235-240F on a candy thermometer.Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.Drizzle about 1/2 tablespoon of caramel over each cluster, set aside.Fill a pot about 1/4 of the way with water, and fit with a bowl that wont touch the bottom of the pot to create a double boiler.Heat the pot over medium heat.After letting it heat up for a few minutes, start to stir the chocolate chips until they are fully melted and smooth.Stir in the shortening and spoon about 1/2 tablespoon on the top of each cluster.Once the chocolate has cooled serve immediately or store in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer of clusters.
