Island Sea Turtles Recipes

ISLAND SEA TURTLES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Place macadamia nuts in clusters of 4 to 7 nuts each, 2 inches apart; set aside.
• Toast coconut in oven for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Pulse in food processor or chop into shorter strands.
• Butter the inside of a heavy 3-quart saucepan. Melt 1/2 cup butter over low heat. Add sugar, corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk; mix well. Increase heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium and continue to boil, stirring frequently until mixture reaches 244°F on a candy thermometer.
• Remove saucepan from heat, stir in vanilla and coconut. Cool slightly; spoon a tablespoon of coconut caramel over each nut cluster; cool completely.
• Place chocolate in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave 30 seconds on high, stir and continue to microwave in 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring after each. Chocolate should be smooth, but not warm. Dip tops of caramel-nut clusters in chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt. Place in refrigerator to set chocolate. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with wax paper for up to 1 week.
• Tip: To prevent the formation of sugar crystals in the caramel, wash down the sides of pan using a pastry brush dipped in water.

BUCCANEER'S TURTLE STEAK, CAYMAN BRAC STYLE

Steps:

• Tenderize the turtle steak, pounding both sides well with a meat mallet, until pieces are only about an inch thick. Sprinkle with lime juice, 2 teaspoons garlic powder and black pepper and refrigerate for an hour. Heat oil over medium high heat in a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven until hot and brown the turtle steak on each side. Add onions and sweet peppers and cook until vegetables start to soften, stirring frequently so they don't scorch. Add remaining ingredients and stir well, reduce heat to low and simmering and cover. Cook for an hour or until turtle is fork tender and sauce is reduced and thickened. Serve with hot white rice or rice n' peas.