Gophers
This is a favorite candy in my house that began with a family trip to Savannah and Hilton Head. We stopped by a candy store in Savannah where they were making these right in front of us. They were so amazing! We were all hooked. When we got home, I knew I needed to figure out a way to make them healthier. I made them with my easy homemade dark chocolate and date caramel. They were fantastic, vegan and made with no processed sugar!
Ingredients:
Pecan halves (either raw or roasted and salted, both work great)
Coarse Sea Salt to top the candies
Directions:
Line a sheet tray with parchment paper.
Lay out 3-5 pecan halves each (use the broken pieces as well, they will be covered by the chocolate and caramel) into small piles about 2 inches apart.
Using a teaspoon, scoop a heaping teaspoon of date caramel onto each pile of nuts, spreading it out so that the caramel holds the nuts in place. This usually gets a little sticky, but, not to worry, the chocolate will cover it all up.
Spread a teaspoon of the dark chocolate (allow the chocolate to cool somewhat so that it is thick but pour-able before using it on the candies) over the caramel, allowing it to drip down over the pecans
Sprinkle a few grains of course sea salt on top of each candy (optional). This looks pretty, but, also balances the sweetness out nicely.
Place tray with candies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for the chocolate to completely set. Can be served cold or room temperature, whatever you prefer.