Caramel Turtles

1 1/3 cups pecan halves
18 squares caramels, individually wrapped
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice or break pecan halves lengthwise to make slivers for the four feet, head, and tail. For each turtle, arrange 6 nut pieces in a loose circle on foil-lined cookie sheet. Unwrap one caramel square and cut it in half. Set one half on top of the cluster of nut pieces. Once all turtles have been put together (and without disturbing the arrangement), place the tray of turtles in the oven for about 3 to 4 minutes. The caramels will melt onto the nuts, creating the turtle's shell. Remove the tray from the oven and set a few chocolate chips on top of each caramel. Return to oven for a few seconds to melt the chocolate. Spread out the melted chocolate with the back of a spoon if you'd like. Remove foil with candies on it from the baking sheet and allow them to cool completely. Makes 36 turtles.