Salted Caramel Chocolate Nests

By davidv

"These delicious little nests just might be the cutest things we've ever made. They make perfect place settings…just fill with candy eggs or add a personalized name card!"—David

Tip: Substitute semisweet chocolate chips with any chocolate of your preference (milk, white, bittersweet, etc.). Omit the salt for a sweeter treat.

Ingredients

• 12 oz vanilla caramels, chopped
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 Tbsp milk
• 6.5 oz potato sticks
• 8 oz semisweet chocolate chips

Preparation

Step 1

Line a baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray the paper with cooking spray. Set aside.

Place the chopped vanilla caramels, salt, and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals and stir after each interval, until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. (This may take up to 2-1/2 minutes.) Let the mixture cool for 30 seconds.

Carefully stir the potato sticks into the caramel mixture until completely coated. Rub your hands with oil and form 6–8 uneven circles and place them onto the prepared baking pan. Use one or two fingers and press the middles down, creating a nest-like shape.

Refrigerate the nests for 35–40 minutes, or until the caramel has hardened. While the nests are in the refrigerator, melt the chocolate chips on top of a double boiler. Dip the bottoms of the nests into the melted chocolate, and then place the nests back onto the prepared baking pan.

Refrigerate for 20 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.