Macadamia Turtles

1 pound macadamia nuts
14 ounces vanilla caramels, unwrapped
3 tablespoons heavy cream
11 ounces milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (white)

Cover two cookie sheets with wax paper; coat with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange macadamia nuts into 24 separate piles on the cookie sheets.

Stirring constantly, melt the caramels with the cream in a small saucepan over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until smooth. While the caramel is still hot, quickly spoon the caramel mixture over each nut group. Reheat the caramel if it gets too thick.

Stirring constantly, melt the chocolate chips with the shortening in another small saucepan over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until smooth. Drizzle chocolate over the caramel and nuts; let stand until firm.

Makes 24 Turtles.