Chocolate Turtle Apple Slices

• 2 very large Fuji apples
• 3 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Nestle)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (I used refined coconut oil so it doesn't taste like coconut.)
• 1 cup caramels, melted (I used Kraft caramels)
• Chopped pecans

1. Slice apples into 1/2" pieces. (It's really important to have a good quality chef's knife. I love Wusthof.) With a knife make a little slit in the bottom of each apple slice to make it easier to insert a popsicle stick. Insert a popsicle stick into each piece of apple. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, melt chocolate chips in the microwave on high for about 2 minutes (in 30 second intervals, don't overheat because the chocolate will burn).* Stir in coconut oil until smooth. Dip apple slices in chocolate and place on parchment lined cookie sheet. (I used a 13"x18" half sheet pan.)
3. Place caramels in microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 45-60 seconds.* Do NOT overheat. Stir until smooth. Drizzle melted caramel over chocolate and sprinkle with nuts.
4. Refrigerate for about 1 hour. Serve and enjoy immediately. Apples are best the first day. Store in refrigerator.
5. *For best results, follow the chocolate chip package instructions for melting chocolate and same for caramel. Follow the caramel package instructions for melting caramels.
6. Note: If you're concerned about biting into an apple seed, just remove them before dipping the apple slice in chocolate.

This article and recipe adapted from this site