Mary Ann'S Turtles
Delicious homemade turtles featuring caramel, pecans, and chocolate, offering a rich, sweet, and nutty treat perfect for sharing or gifting during special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a double boiler, melt the caramels with 4 to 5 tablespoons of evaporated milk until smooth.
- Stir in the broken pecans and mix well.
- Drop spoonfuls of the caramel mixture onto a buttered cookie sheet and chill until firm.
- Meanwhile, melt the paraffin and chocolate chips together in a double boiler.
- Dip each caramel piece into the melted chocolate mixture to coat.
- Place dipped candies on parchment paper to set and store covered.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. If you don't have paraffin, you can use a small amount of vegetable shortening to achieve a similar texture for the chocolate coating. Make sure to keep the caramel mixture warm while working, as it will become difficult to handle once it cools down.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful treats can be served as a sweet snack or dessert and pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside Circus Mix for a delightful party platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store the chocolate-covered turtles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for a firmer texture, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary Ann'S Turtles contains roughly 120 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts based on your preference. Each nut will bring its unique flavor and texture to the turtles, making it a versatile recipe.
What can I do if the caramel mixture is too thick?
If the caramel mixture becomes too thick to work with, you can add a little more evaporated milk, a tablespoon at a time, while heating it gently until you reach your desired consistency for easy handling.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
To avoid seizing, ensure that no water comes in contact with the chocolate while melting. Using a double boiler helps, but be cautious and keep the heat low. If it does seize, you can try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil to salvage it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).