How to Make Homemade Chocolate Turtles

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Overview

Sometimes the simplest things are the most delicious. This is definitely true of the turtle, an uncomplicated candy that thrives on aesthetic imperfection for character and can easily be altered based on the tastes of the lucky recipient. Caramel, nuts and chocolate form the backbone of this sweet treat, but any nut or dried fruit can be added for personalization. This custom delicacy is perfect for your sweetie, best friend or even as a hostess gift.

Image Credit: Cranberry Cashew Turtles

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What You'll Need

To make six large turtles you'll need: A baking sheet; parchment paper; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup caramel; a teaspoon.

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Cashew Base

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, then make clusters of 7-8 cashews one inch apart.

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Add Caramel

Heat your caramel in the microwave in 30 seconds spurts, stirring in between, until melted. Spoon the caramel over the nut clusters making sure it touches all of them liberally.

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Add Cranberries

Before the caramel cools, sprinkle it with a blanket of 7-8 cranberries in an even layer. Add more or fewer depending on turtle size.

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Add Chocolate

In a glass bowl, heat the dark chocolate chips in the microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring in between to maintain temper -- this keeps the chocolate from getting too hot. Do this until all the chocolate is melted and there are no lumps. Spoon onto the turtle and spread evenly on the top with the back of your spoon.

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Make a Heart

For an extra-special touch, make hearts out of your dried fruit. Sort through the dried cranberries for the best round bits -- you will see that some of the cuts are tops and some are the middle ring of the cranberry. The tops are the ones you want. Take two dried cranberry tops and squeeze the sides together to form a heart. Add this to the top of your turtle before the chocolate cools.

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Set In the Fridge

Place your baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes or until all the layers are completely set. Remove and gently lift them off of the parchment paper, place in baking cups and your treats are ready to enjoy!

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