Turtles, a favorite family recipe for the Pot Luck party for our Quilt Guild

Turtles are a favorite family recipe here.  They have similar ingredients to the candy, chocolate, caramel and nuts.  This is how I make them:

First you gather all the ingredients.  Then you mix the German chocolate cake mix with 2/3 cup EVAPORATED milk-not condensed milk. 

Spread it in a 9 X 13 inch cake pan with STRAIGHT SIDES.  Some glass pans have sort of smooth, roundish sides, you don't want that.  I use this pan that my MIL got for my birthday one year.  You can get them personalized at the flea market.  Love that pan for a pot luck, you know people we be able to get it back to you.  Instead of the usual pot luck dish confusion.

Put 1/2 of the cake mix in the pan and cook for 6 minutes in a 300 degree oven.  Let is cool completely. 

Meanwhile, melt the caramels in a double broiler.  I tried a new caramel, Werther's I like it better than Kraft. 

Poor over the cooled cake.  Make sure you don't let it seep around the edges.  This is where the value of the straight edge pan comes in. 

Add 1 1/2 cup pecan pieces and 12 oz of semi sweet chocolate chips.  Then I tried this seasoning, lemon, lavender and pepper, which I sprinkled lightly over this layer.  I really like this addition of a little savory to the mix, especially with the hint of lavender....yum!!

Next add the second half of the cake mix on top and bake for 18 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees. 

I know it's the most difficult part of the process, but, DO NOT CUT UNTIL 24 HOURS LATER!!