Turtles candies with caramel and nuts

Ingredients:

• 350 g of soft caramel candies (homemade or store-bought)
• 170 g walnuts or pecans (toasted halves)
• 225g semi-sweet chocolate (chocolate chips will also work)

Preparation:

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil or parchment paper and spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Arrange the nuts in piles of four, each facing in different directions (to mimic a turtle's feet). Alternatively, you can simply place them in small piles on a baking sheet.
3. If the candies are wrapped, remove them and place the caramel in a microwave-safe bowl. If the candies are too hard, add a spoonful of water to soften the mixture. Melt in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.
4. Let the caramel cool slightly, making sure it's not too hot. Using a small candy scoop or a regular spoon, spoon a small amount of caramel onto each handful of nuts. These candies aren't meant to be fancy, so don't worry if the nuts stick out a little and the turtles don't turn out perfectly round.
5. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler. Using a spoon, spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, letting it drip down the sides and moving the candies around to ensure the caramel is completely coated.
6. Refrigerate a baking sheet with 24 candies for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate and caramel to set. For best flavor and texture, serve at room temperature. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or in a cool place for up to 2 weeks.