Chocolate Caramel Critters

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup Land O Lakes Heavy Whipping Cream
• 1/4 cup Land O Lakes Butter, cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 36 flat pretzel-shaped crisps
• String licorice, cut into 2-inch pieces, if desired
• 1/2 cup real semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon shortening
• Mini candy-covered chocolate pieces
• Slivered almonds

1. Combine all caramel ingredients except vanilla in heavy, non-stick 1-quart saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 11-15 minutes or until butter is melted and mixture comes to a boil.
3. Continue cooking until candy thermometer reaches 240F to 244F.
4. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
5. Pour hot caramel mixture into small heat resistant measuring cup or bowl.
6. Let cool 5-10 minutes or until firm enough to spoon.
7. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment or waxed paper.
8. Lay 18 pretzel crisps on each baking sheet.
9. Spoon about 1 teaspoon caramel on top of each pretzel crisp.
10. Immediately insert licorice pieces into caramel for legs.
11. Let stand 10 minutes or until caramel is cool and almost firm.
12. Combine chocolate chips and shortening in bowl.
13. Microwave 1 minute; stir until chocolate is melted and smooth.
14. Spread 1/4 teaspoon chocolate near top of each caramel critter.
15. Top with 2 chocolate pieces for eyes and 2 almond halves for teeth.
16. Make edible spider web by printing PDF template.
17. Place under layer of wax paper; trace outline of spider web using your favorite white frosting.
18. Set Chocolate Caramel Critters on top.

sugar, cream, butter, brown sugar, light corn syrup, vanilla, crisps, string licorice, semisweet chocolate chips, shortening, chocolate pieces, almonds

Taken from www.landolakes.com/recipe/3193/chocolate-caramel-critters (may not work)