Marshmallow Turtles

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening
12 large marshmallows
1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Melt chocolate chips and shortening in top of double boiler over hot, not boiling, water; remove from heat. Cool mixture to 85 degrees F, stirring constantly.

Meanwhile, cut marshmallows in half horizontally; flatten with rolling pin. Set aside.

On wax paper-covered tray, form head and hind feet of turtle by arranging three pecan halves with ends touching in center; for front feet, place one pecan quarter on each side of head. Arrange 24 of these clusters as bases for turtles. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon melted chocolate mixture into center of each cluster of pecans.

To make turtle shell, place flattened marshmallow half in center of pecans on top of chocolate; press lightly to adhere. Spoon a small amount of chocolate onto marshmallow and spread with a spatula to cover top and edges of marshmallow. Chill.

Store covered in refrigerator.

Makes approximately 2 dozen.