Delectable Pecan Turtles

approx. 7 dozen

 

1 teaspoon plus 1 cup butter, divided

1 cup light corn syrup

2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

6 1/2 cups pecan halves, toasted

 

3/4 cup milk chocolate chips

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or Ghirardelli chocolate wafers) 

4 teaspoons shortening

 

Butter 3 large cookie sheets and set aside. Butter the sides of a large saucepan.  

Melt the one cup of butter and add the corn syrup, brown sugar and salt. Cook and stir until the sugar is dissolved. 

 

Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir until mixture reads 238 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and pecans and stir to disperse evenly. 

 

Drop by tablespoon onto prepared cookie sheets. Let cool. Combine the chocolate 

chips with shortening or use the Ghirardelli wafers. Spread the tops of the turtles with chocolate. Store in an airtight container.