Recipes with Helen Austin Turtle candies |
© 2006 Helen Austin. All rights reserved.
Are you a parent or grandparent looking for ways to entertain the little ones? How about letting them
help you make candy?
If you have concerns about kitchen safety, the microwave should lay some of them to rest. Although it
is possible to sustain a burn while using this appliance, it's a lot less likely than with a conventional
kitchen range.
Let your young apprentice(s) watch you make a batch of Turtle candies — a childhood favorite of
mine, although I didn't dream then that they could be made at home. After demonstrating the process,
delegate a step, such as positioning the pecan halves (the caramels are a little trickier). An older child
might be competent to handle the melted chocolate.
help you make candy?
If you have concerns about kitchen safety, the microwave should lay some of them to rest. Although it
is possible to sustain a burn while using this appliance, it's a lot less likely than with a conventional
kitchen range.
Let your young apprentice(s) watch you make a batch of Turtle candies — a childhood favorite of
mine, although I didn't dream then that they could be made at home. After demonstrating the process,
delegate a step, such as positioning the pecan halves (the caramels are a little trickier). An older child
might be competent to handle the melted chocolate.
| Turtle candies |
Helen Austin was food editor at the Arkansas Democrat for six years and has since been a
contributor to Active Years and the Arkansas Times. She is also writing for Arkansas Newsixty, a
quarterly publication of the Arkansas Times. Having no formal education in either journalism or
home economics, she credits any expertise in these fields to a lifelong interest in food and writing.
Helen's food philosophy consists of getting the best, freshest ingredients available, then cooking
them in the simplest manner possible. She and her husband, Jerry, prepare most of their meals at
home.
contributor to Active Years and the Arkansas Times. She is also writing for Arkansas Newsixty, a
quarterly publication of the Arkansas Times. Having no formal education in either journalism or
home economics, she credits any expertise in these fields to a lifelong interest in food and writing.
Helen's food philosophy consists of getting the best, freshest ingredients available, then cooking
them in the simplest manner possible. She and her husband, Jerry, prepare most of their meals at
home.
2 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate
20 toasted pecan halves (See Note)
8 caramels
Place chocolate in a microwave-safe cup or bowl and microwave on HIGH 1 1/2
minutes or until melted. Remove from microwave and set aside.
On microwave-safe plate or turntable, position 5 pecan halves for turtle's head and
feet. Repeat with remaining pecan halves to make 4 turtles. Place 2 caramels on
"back" of each.
Microwave on HIGH about 20 seconds or until caramels are soft enough to press into
pecan halves with back of spoon. (You may need to press the pecan halves into the
caramel to stabilize the "turtle.") Spread melted chocolate over each, covering
caramel.
Refrigerate until chocolate is hardened. Repeat process for desired number of turtles.
NOTE: To toast pecan halves, combine 2 cups with 2 tablespoons butter cut in small
pieces. Place in shallow microwave-safe baking dish and microwave on HIGH about 6
minutes, stirring every minute or so.
Remove and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt if desired. Allow to
cool before using in Turtles.
20 toasted pecan halves (See Note)
8 caramels
Place chocolate in a microwave-safe cup or bowl and microwave on HIGH 1 1/2
minutes or until melted. Remove from microwave and set aside.
On microwave-safe plate or turntable, position 5 pecan halves for turtle's head and
feet. Repeat with remaining pecan halves to make 4 turtles. Place 2 caramels on
"back" of each.
Microwave on HIGH about 20 seconds or until caramels are soft enough to press into
pecan halves with back of spoon. (You may need to press the pecan halves into the
caramel to stabilize the "turtle.") Spread melted chocolate over each, covering
caramel.
Refrigerate until chocolate is hardened. Repeat process for desired number of turtles.
NOTE: To toast pecan halves, combine 2 cups with 2 tablespoons butter cut in small
pieces. Place in shallow microwave-safe baking dish and microwave on HIGH about 6
minutes, stirring every minute or so.
Remove and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt if desired. Allow to
cool before using in Turtles.