Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Easy Christmas Toffee

Do you have a favorite recipe that you make only at Christmas time?  I have a few, but the family favorite is toffee!  This recipe came from a high school friend's family and I think of them when I make it. I make it "my way", which means I don't follow common candy making rules--Martha I a'int!  With a few simple ingredients, you can be enjoying this sweet treat in no time.
Christmas toffee http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/

English Toffee
1 C. butter
1 C. sugar
2 Tbsp. water
chopped almonds--approx. 1/2 cup
chocolate--3 or 4 Hershey's bars or a 1 C. of chocolate chips

Note:  Pictures show a DOUBLE batch, recipe is for a single batch.  I recommend making a single batch until you become a toffee aficionado as it can be quirky.

Start by chopping some almonds and sprinkling them on a pan (this sad old pizza pan is 25 years old--a wedding gift).
Christmas toffee http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
Over medium to medium high heat, melt 1 cup of butter--the real stuff!  I use a large skillet to make the toffee in--the bigger the surface area, the better.  I am sure a heavy copper bottomed pan would be considered best, but I use what I have.   
Christmas toffee http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
Add 1 cup of sugar (my sugar may look funky--it is organic, raw sugar) and 2 TBSP of water. Stir with a wooden spoon.
Christmas toffee http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
As it starts to boil, stir occasionally, but not constantly.
Christmas toffee http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
It will foam and start to turn colors.  i did not wash down the sugar off the sides--I think I am supposed to, but I do not.
Christmas toffee http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
I also do not use a candy thermometer.  I do use the cold water test--dropping a bit of the boiling mixture in cold water--when it cracks it is done.  
Christmas toffee http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
I go on color mostly, and smell.  It will smell like it is SLIGHTLY burning--watch carefully at this stage and will turn a deep caramel color.  When it gets to this stage, I test it often.  The biggest mistake I make is pulling it off the heat too soon.  It usually takes about 15 minutes.
Christmas toffee http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
When it is a good color and cracks in ice cold water, pull it off and pour over chopped almonds.
Christmas toffee http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
I top mine with Hershey's chocolate bars--6 for a double batch.
Christmas toffee http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
Lick melted chocolate off spatula.
Christmas toffee http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
Sprinkle with more chopped almonds.
Christmas toffee http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
Wait patiently for chocolate to harden--I do not recommend putting it in the fridge or freezer to speed up this process--it makes the chocolate not stick to the toffee.
Christmas toffee http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/
Enjoy!!

6 comments:

  1. Toffee is my very favorite sweet treat. I could eat a whole bag of Heath Bars, but homemade is even better!

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  2. I absolutely love toffee so I shouldn't make your recipe, but I think I am going to give it a try.

    Thanks for sharing.

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  3. My daughter has used two new toffee recipes this year. Yummy yes, but just not right, even the colors are off. Yours however looks the right color and you cook without rules like her, so I'm gonna have her give this a try.

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  4. I love toffee, this looks so yummy!! My once a year recipe is homemade caramels, and I never use my candy thermometer, I just use the cold water test too, which is firm for caramels, I like how you cook girl!

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  5. HI Becky, oh your photos are great!! Thanks for giving us your tested techniques as I wouldn't know how to use a candy thermometer anyway. Merry Christmas with God's blessings abounding. Smiles, Emilou :-)

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate your kind words!