🍰 Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters 🍫

Savor the Sweetness: Indulge in homemade delight with every bite! Perfect for family gatherings or a decadent treat after a long day.

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️
- 1/2 C butter (I use salted)
- 1 (12 ounce) package milk chocolate chips
- 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1/2 of a 14 ounce can)
- 1/2 t shortening (I use butter flavored Crisco)
- 1/2 C light corn syrup
- 1 C brown sugar
- 2 1/2 C pecans
- 1/2 t vanilla

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳
1. Begin by toasting the pecans in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until they darken slightly and emit a fragrant aroma, which typically takes a few minutes.
2. Prepare two large cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper and spraying with cooking spray. Arrange the toasted pecans into clusters, about three nuts each, ensuring they are spaced about an inch apart.
3. Create the caramel by melting the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk, stirring continuously. Increase the heat slightly and continue to stir until the mixture reaches 235-240 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from heat once it hits about 234 degrees as it will continue to rise in temperature.
4. Mix in the vanilla into the caramel.
5. Quickly drizzle approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons of caramel over each pecan cluster, making sure each nut is in contact with the caramel to bind them together.
6. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating for 30 seconds at a time and stirring in between until smooth. Mix in the shortening and let it sit briefly to melt thoroughly, ensuring a smooth consistency.
7. Spoon about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the melted chocolate over the caramel-coated pecans, using the back of the spoon to create a swirl on top.

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎
- Calories: 298 per cluster
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 20g

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡
- For a gourmet touch, sprinkle a little sea salt over the chocolate before it sets.
- If you prefer a softer caramel, remove from heat at a slightly lower temperature.

⏳ Preparation time 🕒
Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Serving: Makes about 24 clusters.