Recipes

Cream shortening and sugars together. Add milk. Beat in eggs one at a time; add vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt. Mix into creamed mixture. Chill for one hour.

Heat oven to 350ºF.

Roll out 1/3 of the dough at a time, to about 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out with 2 1/4-inch cookie cutters. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 5-6 minutes, or until edges are slightly golden. Remove immediately to cooling rack.

Caramel and Chocolate Topping

Combine caramels and milk in microwave-safe bowl. Cover with waxed paper. Microwave at 50%(MEDIUM). Stir after 1 minute. Repeat until smooth (or melt on range top in small saucepan on very low heat).

Drop rounded teaspoonfuls on top of each cookie. Place 3 pecan halves around edge of caramel to resemble turtles.

Place chocolate chips in microwave-safe cup. Microwave at 50% (MEDIUM)for 1 minute. Stir after 1 minute. Repeat until smooth (or melt on range top in small saucepan on very low heat).

Place melted chocolate in a small plastic baggie. Cut the corner off the bag and drizzle a small amount of chocolate in the center of the cookie. Do not cover the pecans. Cool completely.