White Chocolate, Almond, and Orange Turtles Recipe

Intermediate Almond White Chocolate Turtles

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Yield: 30 turtles
• Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 of 30 servings): Calories 149, Total Fat 7 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Carbohydrates 22 g, Dietary Fiber 0 g, Sugar 21 g, Protein 2 g, Cholesterol 8 mg, Sodium 40 mg
• Total Time: 1 hr 50 min
• Preparation: 30 min
• Resting Time: 1 hr
• Cooking: 20 min

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces, plus additional for greasing pans
• 3/4 cup toasted almond slivers
• 1/4 cup finely chopped candied orange peel
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 pound high-quality white chocolate, chopped (avoid white chocolate chips)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (recommended: Crisco)

Instructions

1. Generously butter two baking sheets. Imagine crafting adorable almond "turtles" that will delight every bite!
2. On the sheets, shape the almond slivers into star-like clusters for the turtle's head and limbs, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle roughly 1/4 teaspoon finely diced orange peel evenly over each cluster for a zesty sparkle.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine half the evaporated milk (1/2 cup), corn syrup, and sugar; bring to a boil. Add the remaining evaporated milk and 4 tablespoons butter. Cook, stirring continuously, until it reaches the softball stage (240F). Stir in vanilla extract and remove from heat. Cool to 200F.
4. Spoon caramel atop each nut cluster using a tablespoon; let set. If caramel hardens, gently reheat on low, stirring until spoonable again.
5. Temper the white chocolate (see below) and drizzle about 1 tablespoon over each turtle. Chill in a cool spot to firm up. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, layering with wax paper. These glossy treats make perfect giftsget ready to wow your friends!

White Chocolate Tempering

In the upper part of a double boiler or over a metal bowl on barely simmering water, melt 6 ounces white chocolate with vegetable shortening over low heat, stirring until 116118F (warm but not hot). Remove from heat, stir in remaining 2 ounces chocolate until 80F (cool). Return to low heat, stir to 8587F (just cool), then remove. This creates a glossy, pro-level shine and extends shelf life!

Quick tip: For easier prep, melt chocolate and shortening together over low heat without temperingstill delicious for short-term treats.