Island Sea Turtles

Ingredients:

12 ounces dry roasted and salted macadamia nuts

1 cup flaked sweetened coconut

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
12 ounces chocolate, coarsely chopped - The sweeter the chocolate the sweeter the candy
Sea salt, to taste

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 400°F.   Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Place macadamia nuts in 36 clusters of 4 to 7 nuts each, 2 inches apart; set aside.

Toast coconut in oven for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Pulse in food processor or chop into shorter strands.

Butter the inside of a heavy 3-quart saucepan. Melt 1/2 cup butter over low heat. Add sugar, corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk; mix well. Increase heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium and continue to boil, stirring frequently until mixture reaches 244°F on a candy thermometer.*

Remove saucepan from heat, stir in vanilla and coconut. Cool slightly; spoon a tablespoon of coconut caramel over each nut cluster; cool completely.

There are 2 ways to do the next part:

(a)  Place chocolate in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave 30 seconds on high, stir and continue to microwave in 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring after each. Chocolate should be smooth, but not warm.

OR

 (b) Place chocolate in a double boiler until melted

Then:  Dip tops of caramel-nut clusters in chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt. Place in refrigerator to set chocolate. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with wax paper for up to 1 week.