Chocolate Turtles - An Odd Name But Delicious Taste!

Having one head, four legs and a tail, the chocolate turtle has made its claim to fame as the only chocolate animal worth its salt, or rather, its chocolate! This decadently rich, sinfully delicious chocolate candy has won the hearts of people all over the world, and most especially, in the American culture. That might be due to the fact that the first caramel chocolate turtle was created in Chicago!
 
Chocolate turtles are believed to have a history that spans over two centuries. They were first made in the early 1800s, although the exact details of the creation of this exquisite candy have been lost to us through the reaches of time. However, the chocolate turtle gone on to become one of the most fascinating, scrumptious chocolate candies of our time. 
 
For Americans, the chocolate turtle is commonly associated with Christmas. Originally they were meant as sweet treats to be enjoyed only during Holy Days such as Christmas, Easter or Hanukah.  For many chocoholics, a Christmas without chocolate turtles under your tree or stuffed in a stocking is no Christmas at all! These candies are also very popular for the day-to-day chocolate binges and the chocolate filled gift baskets.
 
Chocolate turtles are essentially made by placing a dollop of creamiest caramel atop a cluster of roasted nuts, and then smothering the cluster with rich, hot, melted chocolate. The caramel serves to help the nuts and chocolate stick together, creating a scrumptious mouthful of chocolate turtle goodness!
 
There are many different types of chocolate turtles on the market. The variations of this candy are caused by the different types of nuts used, the chocolate they are smothered in, or the taste and consistency of the caramel that goes into their making.
 
The traditional American chocolate turtle consists of richly roasted pecan halves placed in such a manner that the completed candy actually takes on the characteristic looks of a turtle. Six pecan halves are placed from end to end, on wax paper forming the base and shape of a turtle. A dollop of melted caramel is dropped onto the pecan halves. Before the caramel can solidify, hot melted chocolate is poured liberally onto it, covering the entire cluster apart from the wide ends of the pecan halves.
 
These ends therefore become the head, four legs and the tail. The caramel and Chocolate stick and harden the pecan half. Their chocolate turtle is ready to eat! The American way requires the use of high-quality milk chocolate for the best taste. In European countries demanding chocolate turtles are a very different type of chocolate and nut species, both for normal palate, and the eccentric taste!

Most chocolate manufacturers usually prefer pecans, cashews and almonds, though it is, and afavorite lately. However, as any turtle lover will likely tell you, nothing tastes as good as a pecan chocolate turtle!
 
There's a bit of good news for all the chocolate turtle lovers out there! Apparently, the nutritional value of the chocolate turtle is higher compared to other chocolate candies, if only because of the nuts used in them! So stop drooling, and head to the nearest chocolate store for the most scrumptious candy this society has ever created!