Pecan Candy Clusters Recipes

Steps:

• Add 2 inches of water to a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Place the cacao in a medium heatproof bowl and set it over the saucepan (do not let the bowl touch the water). Stir occasionally until the cacao is melted and smooth. Remove the bowl from the saucepan. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, on a silicone baking mat or parchment, create little mounds of pecans (3 or 4 per candy is perfect). Top each mound with a tablespoon or so of the vegan caramel. Pour the melted cacao over each mound, letting the pecans stick out a bit. Let the candies set at room temperature until the chocolate is fully hardened, at least 30 minutes. Serve or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
• Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

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.

Steps:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels, water and butter. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 3 to 3-1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Stir in pecans. , Drop by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. Freeze for 15-20 minutes or until set., In a microwave-safe bowl, combine candy coatings. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 15 seconds; stir until smooth. Dip caramel clusters in coating; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill until firm.

Steps:

• Microwave chocolate in 8-inch glass baking dish uncovered on high power about 1 minute; stir. Microwave, stirring after 30 seconds, until melted, about 1 minute. Add pecans and stir to coat.
• Line baking sheet with waxed paper. Using soup spoons, drop pecans in 24 mounts on waxed paper. Let stand until hardened, refrigerating if necessary. Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 weeks.

Steps:

• In a 15x10x1-in. baking pan, combine pecans and butter. Bake at 250° for 20-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes., Remove from the oven; transfer to a bowl. Add candy coating and stir until evenly coated. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Steps:

• For the caramel: Mix 2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring just until the sugar dissolves. Cook, swirling the pan (do not stir), until the mixture is light amber and a candy thermometer registers 320 degrees, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; slowly whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream, then 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Return to low heat and whisk until smooth.
• Stir 1 1/3 cups chopped nuts into the warm caramel; cool until the mixture is thick enough to hold its shape. Drop spoonfuls onto an oiled parchment-lined baking sheet; let set. Top with melted chocolate and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.