Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters

Ingredients : 

• 2 pecans, measuring 1/2 cup
• One-half cup of salted butter
• 1 cup of colored sugar
• 1/4 cup of full-fat dairy
• vanilla essence, half a teaspoon
• one-fourth teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of chocolate chips, dark or milk if you want them semisweet.
• Flakes of sea salt (optional, for garnishing)

Instructions : 

1. Set the oven temperature to 350°F, or 175°C. Toast the nuts, spreading them out on a baking sheet, for about 7 to 10 minutes, or until they release their aromatic aroma. Give them a little time to cool.
2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Brown sugar and heavy cream should be stirred in. To thicken, bring the ingredients to a low boil and simmer, stirring constantly, for three to four minutes.
3. After you’ve added the salt and vanilla extract to the caramel mixture, take it off the heat.
4. Put 4-5 pecans into clusters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Pour a little caramel over each cluster of pecans and let it sit for a minute to solidify.
6. Stir the chocolate chips occasionally while they melt in a basin that can be heated in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time.
7. If you’d like, you may spoon or drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-pecan clusters. If you want to add a little salt, you can sprinkle some on top.
8. Let the clusters set at room temperature or, for a quicker set, put them in the fridge.
9. For presentation, place the Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters on a pretty platter or place them in a gift box that has been lined with parchment paper. White chocolate drizzled over the top creates a stunning contrast and adds a finishing touch.