CARAMEL COCOA CLUSTER RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Line a cookie sheet or tray with foil or parchment paper; grease foil or paper. For each cluster, on the prepared cookie sheet, arrange five pecan halves in a single layer close together.
• In a small heavy saucepan cook and stir caramels and milk over medium-low heat until mixture is smooth. Spoon caramel mixture over pecan clusters. Let stand about 30 minutes or until caramel is set.
• In a medium heavy saucepan cook and stir dark chocolate over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove 1/4 cup of the melted chocolate; set aside. Spoon the remaining melted chocolate over clusters; gently spread chocolate to edges of clusters. Let stand about 30 minutes or until chocolate is set (if necessary, chill for 5 to 10 minutes).
• Meanwhile, if desired, in a small microwave-safe bowl combine white chocolate and shortening. Microwave on 100% power (high) about 1 minute or until melted and smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Spread melted white chocolate over clusters.
• Fill a small resealable plastic bag with the reserved melted dark chocolate; snip a small hole in one corner of the bag. Drizzle dark chocolate over clusters. If desired, sprinkle with salt. Let stand until chocolate is set.

Steps:

• Place caramels, butter, and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth, about 3 minutes. Stir in pecans.
• Drop caramel pecan mixture by spoonfuls onto parchment paper. Place in freezer for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high, stirring every 15 seconds, until melted and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Dip each caramel cluster into chocolate using a fondue fork until coated; place on parchment paper to dry. Chill until firm, if necessary.