Swerve Sweetener

Toasted Pecans

• 1 1/2 cup pecans

Caramel

• ¼ cup butter
• 6 tbsp Swerve, Granular
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar OR 2 tsp molasses (optional, for color and flavor)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
• ¾ tsp table or kosher salt

Chocolate Ganache

• 2 oz unsweetened chocolate
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp Confectioners, Swerve
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon sour cream

Toasted Pecans (Optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (same temperature as the brownie batter).
2. Place pecans on rimmed cookie sheet, and toast for 5-7 minutes. They should be aromatic but not burned.
3. Let pecans cool and place 4 pecans in a turtle leg position on parchment paper (see recipe photo). If you didn’t toast, just set 4 pecans in turtle leg position on parchment paper.

Caramel

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, Swerve, and coconut sugar or molasses. Bring to a boil and cook 3 to 5 minutes (be careful not to burn it).
2. Remove from heat and add cream. Mixture will bubble vigorously.
3. Sprinkle with xanthan gum and whisk vigorously to combine. Add salt.
4. Return mixture to heat and boil 1 more minute. Let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Spoon a teaspoon and half of caramel onto the middle of turtle pecans. (where the sides of the four pecans meet).
6. Set aside and let cool for 30 minutes.

*Inspiration and base of the caramel came from Carolyn Ketchum’s Salted Caramel Sheet Cake

Chocolate Ganache

1. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, add the chocolate, heavy cream, Swerve, and sour cream.
2. Whisk the mixture continuously until ganache is smooth and warm.
3. Let cool for 5 minutes, and place a teaspoon of chocolate on top of hardened caramel on each “turtle.”
4. Set cookie sheets with turtles aside and let cool for 30 minutes to an hour. Place in fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. Serve and enjoy!

Makes 24 turtles (2 per serving).

*Turtles can be stored in the fridge for a week for snacking or serving at a party!