Field Guide to Candy: How to Identify and Make Virtually Every Candy Imaginable (87 page)

2.
Combine the sugars, cream, butter, and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a boil.

3.
Continue cooking, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 236°F, soft ball stage.

4.
Remove from the heat and add the pecans and vanilla. Stir with a wooden spoon until thick and creamy.

5.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto baking sheets. Let cool and harden.

Yield:

About 45 pralines

Storage:

Store in an airtight container between layers of wax paper for up to 1 week.

General Description:

Turtle candy is a classic American confection made of caramel and chocolate poured over four or five pecan halves that are arranged to look like the head and feet of a
turtle
. It is one of the easiest candies to make at home: You can use
the recipe
or simply pour melted chocolate over store-bought caramels and nuts.

History:

Turtle candies were first made in 1920 in Chicago by the candy company Rowntree DeMet’s. Because of the candy, the flavor combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans has also become known as
turtle
, as in turtle bars, turtle sundaes, and turtle brownies.

Serving Suggestions:

Boxes and tins of turtle candy are a popular holiday gift. They can also be used to decorate cakes or served with ice cream.

Candy-Making Notes:

You can use store-bought soft caramels instead of making the caramel in steps 2, 3, and 4. Simply place the caramels on top of each pecan cluster and heat them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or until the caramels have softened and melted over the pecans.

Recipe:

1.
Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Arrange the pecan halves on the sheets, using 4 or 5 halves to form a turtle shape if desired.

2.
Combine the sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until it reaches a boil.

3.
Add the condensed milk and continue cooking until the mixture reaches 248°F, firm ball stage.

4.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

5.
Drop spoonfuls of caramel onto the pecan clusters.