Homemade Turtle Candy

What comes to your mind when you read the title 'homemade turtles'? I'm sure some of you must have thought of recipes with real turtles! Turtles, or more precisely, caramel turtles, is a type of candy that can be enjoyed by everyone. The humped shape of the candy and the pecans sticking out like legs, makes the candy resemble a turtle, and that's why the name ' turtle candy'! Chocolate caramel turtles are one of the favorite holiday snacks for many families. The traditional turtles are usually made with pecans, however, you can also make the candies using other nuts like cashews, almonds, macadamia, hazelnuts and walnuts. The turtles are fun to make and even more fun to chomp on! Here are some recipes for homemade turtle candies

Chocolate Caramel Turtles
Ingredients:

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 25 caramel squares
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 2 tablespoons whipped cream
• Wax paper
• Butter or margarine

Directions:

Grease the wax paper with butter or margarine. This is done so that the caramel doesn't stick to the paper. Arrange the pecan halves on the paper in a 'Y' shape - one pecan half vertically to form the head and two other pecan halves sticking out diagonally from the head to resemble the two feet. Now, heat the caramel squares till they are sticky but not fully melted. Place the caramel on the pecans in a circular shape, so that the pecans stick to it and are held in place. Melt the chocolate chips in a large bowl and stir until smooth. Spoon the melted chocolate on top of the caramel in a circular manner to cover it up. Chill them in a refrigerator and store in an airtight container! Your delicious chocolaty turtle candies are ready!

Pretzel Turtles
Ingredients:

• Pecan halves
• Mini pretzels
• Caramel squares or caramel candies
• Chocolate chips
• Cookie sheet
• Butter

Directions:

Grease the cookie sheet with butter or margarine. Place the pretzels in single layer on the sheet. Now, place the caramel squares on top of the pretzels and heat for few minutes the caramel becomes sticky. Spoon melted chocolate on the caramel and bake for 4 minutes. While the candy is still warm, press pecan halves onto the candy covered pretzel. Cool in a refrigerator and store in an airtight container. Pretzels and pecans covered with chocolate and caramel make up a delicious treat!

Rolo Pretzel Turtles
Ingredients:

• Mini pretzels
• Rolo chocolate candies
• Toasted nuts

Directions:

Place the mini pretzels on a baking sheet. Unwrap your Rolo candies and place them on the pretzels. Bake in a preheated oven for about 3 to 5 minutes at 350°. When the chocolate begins to melt, remove it from the oven. The Rolo should become soft and not melt completely. While its still warm, squish the chocolate with a nut. The caramel from the Rolo starts oozing out. You can have this caramel treat, while it's warm or you can cool it and store it. This recipe is the easiest to make and is ready in few minutes. Just gather all the ingredients and keep them handy and you can make these delicious turtles whenever you feel like!

Homemade turtles can be enjoyed anytime and also make great gifts for family and friends. I'm sure you will enjoy making them! Just pick a recipe from above and get started! And don't forget to keep a watch on your homemade turtles, as they might crawl away at night! Enjoy!