Healthy Chocolate Turtles with Molasses Caramel |

Who here grew up with Chocolate Turtles as part of their dessert lexicon? I honestly don't remember the first time I ate one, but I see gratuitous amounts of them at the pharmacy and grocery store around Valentine's day, which is why they recently came to mind.
Though I don't remember when I first enjoyed one, I sure as shootin' remember the experience! Once unwrapped with impatient fingers, you bite through insta-melty milk chocolate, then chewy caramel, and lastly your teeth are halted pleasantly at buttery pecans, which are incorporated into the mouthful of textural perfection.
*wipes drool*
Problem is, as I grew, so did both my tastebuds and my knowledge. As a adult at the ripe-ole-age of 31, milk chocolate tastes sickeningly sweet to me and packaged caramel tastes artificial. I also have the wherewithal to check ingredient lists, and lemme tell y'all: this one's a DOOZY.
The traditional packaged Chocolate Turtles are a veritable laundry list of inflammatory ingredients like corn syrup, hydrogenated palm oil and a host of fake flavors and preservatives. Why why why!?!
Never fear though—we don't need no stinkin' packaged Chocolate Turtles this Valentine's Day!!! Nope, not when we have this recipe that is made with whole-foods ingredients and is way more delicious!
The Molasses Date Caramel in this recipe is actually from my cookbook, which is coming out in Mid-May (you can pre-order it on Amazon HERE ), and it is LUSCIOUS! Molasses adds a slightly spicy, extra rich note, and I love keeping this around and using it like jam. My favorite combination is a piece of toasted bread, a layer of tahini, a thick layer of this jam and a sprinkle of sea salt. Tooooo good.
In this recipe, it's the perfect middle layer between nutty roasted pecans and melted dark chocolate. I love treats like this, because the fiber and protein from nuts makes these turtles really satisfying, so it's easy(ER) to stop at just one!
This Valentine's day, make these super easy Chocolate Turtles for your love, your family or just yourself, knowing that you can feel fantastic about the nutrition and, duh, taste!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
TURTLES
MOLASSES DATE CARAMEL
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