New Lenox bakers earn lots of ribbons despite mom's sad attempt at baking

The Will County Fair this year meant the Raatjes family baked all the things... cookies, brownies, focaccia, cornbread, and even scotcharoos! I saw that turtle brownies were an entry and decided to give it a go. My brownies turned out delicious and gooey - but terrible for looks and serving and sitting at a hot fair for a week. I also couldn't get caramel at Aldi, so sweetened condensed milk to the rescue. I let it cook in the crockpot for 10 hours and still again... it wasn't dark enough. I think I'm doing something wrong with that... so into a pot to cook it down a little more. I went to grab my pecans to roast them with butter and salt.... No pecans. Ugh... back to the grocery store. So these brownies? Amazing with a scoop of ice cream and some extra hot fudge, on a plate for a fair judge? Ehhhh prob not so great. I did win a third place ribbon... I mean how many entries? I hope at least three. Haha!! We all did great with our baked goods - I have some great baker kids! It's great to see them embrace it and show it off.

Turtle Brownies
Boxed Brownie Mix and ingredients listed on the back
1 cup whole pecans - chopped coarsely
1 Tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 can sweetened condensed milk

Set can of sweetened condensed in crockpot on low covered in water for 10-12 hours, let cool completely before opening.
Melt butter in small pan, add pecans and salt. Cook until you can smell the pecans, then turn off.
Mix up brownies as listed on package with required ingredients. Add half of nuts.
Pour half of brownie mix into sprayed 9 x 9 glass baking dish. Add cooled can of now caramel formerly sweetened condensed milk. Dot top with rest of brownie mix and rest of nuts. Use knife to swirl.
Bake as package directions state, may need longer.