Chocolate Caramel Pears

• 1 package (14 ounces) caramels
• 2 tablespoons water
• 6 large firm pears with stems
• 1 cup chopped cashews, hazelnuts or almonds
• 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1-1/2 teaspoons shortening, divided
• 1/3 cup vanilla or white chips

1. In a heavy saucepan, heat caramels and water over low heat just until caramels are melted. Remove from the heat; cool slightly. Cut a thin slice from the bottom of each pear so it sits flat. Dip pears halfway in caramel; tun to coat and allow excess to drip off. Dip in nuts and place on a greased
2. ; refrigerate for 30 minutes or until coating is firm.
3. In a heavy saucepan or microwave, melt chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon shortening; stir until smooth. In another saucepan, melt vanilla chips with remaining shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle melted chips over pears and stems. Let stand until set.

caramels, water, cashews, chocolate chips, shortening, vanilla

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chocolate-caramel-pears/ (may not work)