Crunchy Chocolate Pecan Billionaires

INGERDIENTS:

2 cups caramel nibs

4 tablespoons water

1.5 cups pecans chopped

1 cup rice krispy cereal

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 tablespoons shortening

DIRECTIONS:

Prep the Pans: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment or waxed paper. You may grease it a bit with nonstick cooking spray if you like.
Melt the Caramel: In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the 2 cups of caramel nibs with the 4 tablespoons of water and melt, stirring until it is smooth and loose. Remove from heat.
Add the Crunch: Stir in the 1.5 cups of chopped pecans and the 1 cup of rice krispy cereal, and mix until they are thoroughly coated with the melted caramel.
Form the Clusters: Drop the warm mixture by the spoonful onto the prepared pans. Keep them in mounds, shape them into balls, or even flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon.
Chill the Centers: Refrigerate the pans for 10-15 minutes until the caramel cools completely and the candy sets up firmly.
Melt the Chocolate: Melt the 3 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips with the 2 tablespoons of shortening in the microwave in short bursts of 15 to 30 seconds, stirring in between, until melted and completely smooth …