Instructions:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, heavy cream, butter, glucose or corn syrup, and salt. Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the mixture, or add vanilla extract.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Raise the heat to medium-high and let the mixture boil without stirring until it reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for about 2 minutes.
Stir in the chopped pecans and mix until well combined.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Let them cool completely.
Once the candies are cool, you can dip them in melted dark chocolate, if desired.
Let the chocolate set and enjoy your homemade turtle candies!
