Put a new twist on an old classic this Thanksgiving by turning fresh fruit and pretzel rods into Caramel Pear Turkey Legs.
You’ll love the subtle tartness of pears matched with the sweetness of caramel–pears are so the new apples! Unless you don’t like pears and then, well…just use apples. And if you don’t like apples, well, go ahead and make the meat part from Rice Krispie Treats. See? Something for everyone. What can I say? It’s Thanksgiving and I’m feeling generous. Now pass the Turkey Legs!
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Sorry kids, these Caramel Pear Turkey Legs don’t legitimately pass as an actual course at dinner but make sure you save some room for dessert. Who needs pie anyway?
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To make the process of making these Caramel Pear Turkey Legs go a little faster, take heed to these suggestions:
- Buy the smaller pears. It’s easier to cover them entirely with caramel if they are smaller.
- Make sure that your pears are room temperature. When you are dipping the pears into the caramel, if they are cold, then it will harden the caramel.
- If you caramel starts to get hard prior to dipping the pears, add a teaspoon of water to the bowl and throw it back into the microwave for 15 seconds or so. Mix well and that should give it new life.
- Have parchment or wax paper on hand and ready to go. You don’t want to be over-handling the pears once they are dipped. Leave them alone on the paper until it has totally set.
Caramel Pear Turkey Legs
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 Caramel Pear Turkey Legs 1x
Ingredients
- 4 small pears
- 2 c. caramels*, wrappers removed
- 2 pretzel rods, broken in half
- 8 mini marshmallows
- 1/2 c. white chocolate*, melted
Instructions
- Remove the stems from each pear and make a large enough hole for the pretzel rod. I used a caramel apple stick to help poke a large enough hole.
- Place a piece of parchment paper over a cookie sheet. Dip two marshmallows into the white chocolate and “glue” to the end of each pretzel rod. Allow to set on the cookie sheet.
- Drizzle the remaining white chocolate over each pretzels to completely coat each one. Place in the freezer to speed up the setting.
- Carefully place each pretzel rod into the holes of the pears.
- Place the caramels into a large microwave safe bowl, adding a teaspoon or two of water. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring at every 30 second interval until completely melted.
- Set one pear at a time into the bowl and gently coat all sides with a spoon. Allow to set on a piece of parchment paper. Repeat for the remainder. If your caramel hardens, add a little water and microwave for 15 seconds until smooth again.
Notes
* See notes below recipe for help with substitutions
Caramel Pear Turkey Legs recipe substitutions:
- For a dairy free caramel, you can use this vegan caramel sauce recipe or buy store-bought vegan caramels.
- Use this guide for dairy free white chocolate chips if you cannot find them where you live and need a dairy free option.
I’m just so happy that I have been able to pop on in over here before Thanksgiving to wish you and your family a very blessed day. I’ve been taking time off of work lately to enjoy getting acclimated to my new life here in Chicago and as a new mom but I’ve missed getting creative in the kitchen, so yay Caramel Pear Turkey Legs! I have some fun ideas brewing for Christmas so I *will* be back (and SOON!) Until then, Happy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate.
