Dark Chocolate Turtles (2 versions – a bit healthier, uses no caramel)
Course: RecipesCuisine: American
Servings
0
Prep time
0
minutesCooking time
0
minutesCalorieskcal
Found this recipe in Womans Day magazine. It uses dates, no caramel (which I also love).rnAt just 90 calories a pop, these treats will satisfy your sweet tooth with less fat and sugar than some other options.rnrnThe dates work perfectly as a caramel stand-in with their sweet, sticky, and rich taste and texture, and the dark chocolate brings in antioxidant and a decadent flavor, then the pecans add in a nice dose of healthy omega-rich fats, magnesium, and manganese.
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Ingredients
2 cup 2 Dark chocolate chips (at least 60 percent cacao), divided
20 20 Pecan halves, toasted
10 10 Pitted dried dates, halved lengthwise
Flaked sea salt for sprinkling
Directions
- To toast raw pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and place in a 400 degree oven until fragrant and slightly browned, 5-6 minutes.rnRemove and let cool.
- In a microwave safe bowl (or a double boiler, on top of stove), melt chocolate, stirring often until velvety smooth.
- Place a teaspoon-size dollop of melted chocolate on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Top with 1 pecan and 1 date half, pressing to flatten, then top with another spoonful of chocolate.
- Repeat with remaining chocolate, pecans and dates. rnSprinkle with flaked sea salt and refrigerate until firm, about 10 minutes.
- Alternative Option for prep: (https://nutritioninthekitch.com/clean-eating-dark-chocolate-turtles-vegan-gluten-free-delights/)rnrn3 1/2 oz 70% dark chocolatern1 heaping cup pitted datesrn2 oz pecan halves (about 40-45 small halves)rnrnProcess dates in a food processor until they become a sticky and very thick jam-like consistency.rnRoll the processed dates into 15 marble-sized balls using the palms of your hands (if your hands are slightly wet from washing the dates will not stick to your hands when rolling), place the balls on a lightly greased cookie sheet.rnPress 2-3 pecan halves into the date balls and then place in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.rnHeat a small saucepan over very low heat and add in the dark chocolate, stir continuously until melted into a smooth sauce. Remove from the heat.rnUsing a spoon, pour a small amount of chocolate sauce over each date/pecan mound. Repeat until each one is covered with the chocolate. The chocolate sauce will harden quickly becoming a shell over the date/pecan mounds.rnPlace in turtles in the freezer to set for at least 10 more minutes.rnKeep turtles cold (in the fridge is fine) until ready to serve.
