How to Make Turtle Candies, the Perfect Holiday Gift for "Everyone Else"

Despite what all the commercials are convincing your children and grandchildren... the holiday spirit is not about "I want this". Almost contradictory, it is about giving... but that feeling of giving should be pleasant and not painful. Unfortunately, when you have kids or grandkids... your bank account may seem painfully low once all your shopping is done. There is nothing left to give out special Thank You gifts to everyone who has made a difference in your life.

For some, last minute stops at a dollar store to pick up coffee mugs and knick knacks seem a suitable option. However, you may neglect several people when doing this. You may see your coworkers everyday, so you feel driven to get them something... but what about your mailman? What about the butcher in your grocery store? What about your childrens' (or grandchildrens') teachers? What about the friendly kid down the street who has often asked to walk your dog or shovel your driveway to earn some money for his bike fund?

There are many people in your life, directly or indirectly, who you should be saying thank you to. That is what the Christmas spirit is all about. Well, this recipe you are about to read just may change your life. In the same manner as giving out fudge, here is a recipe for an elegant candy (turtles) that is surprisingly easy to make.

You will need a cookie sheet, some parchment paper (aluminum foil should work just as well), mini pretzels, pecans, a package of Rolo candy, and a working oven to make these yummy treats. That's all!

The directions are just as simple.

Turn your working oven on to 350 degrees so it will be preheated and ready when your turtle candies are assembled. Then you line the cookie sheet. Now you're ready to put these goodies together.

Set the mini pretzels down on the cookie sheet, spaced apart. Top the pretzels with Rolo candies. You're about halfway done! Now put the cookie sheet (or sheets, you can make more than one batch at a time) in the oven.

Don't go sit down or anything, because you will be removing the cookie sheet in just 3 to 5 minutes. Instead, occupy this brief wait by sneaking some extra pretzels, Rolos, or pecans.

(Other ideas to try while you wait: practice juggling, try to write your name holding a pen with your toes, or prepare the next batch(es) of turtle candies for their time in the slammer- ehr, oven- because it is so simple to do.)

Once that unbearable wait of 3 to 5 minutes has passed, you may remove the cookie sheet and gently push a pecan onto each candy.

Not only will your shopping list and actual labor be a relief when you are making these candies... the clean up is also a breeze! (Notice there is only one dish to be washed!)

You may make several batches. You may suddenly think of even more people to say thank you to. This is just Christmas spirit talking to you, and you should listen!

(Feel free to taste a few yourself. When you are thanking everyone in your life, directly or indirectly, your own self should be on that list as well.)