15. Holiday Toffee
This is definitely a recipe that needs to be included on our Countdown to Christmas list!
Holiday Toffee
1/2 cup butter (salted)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons corn syrup
2 Tablespoons water
TOPPING:
1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted
1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add sugar, corn syrup and water. Stir to dissolve the sugar while bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it is boiling then do not stir. Allow the mixture to reach 300 degrees (Hard Crack Stage). If you do not have a candy thermometer, I highly recommend buying one. If you absolutely cannot buy one, then you could use the following technique I learned from my granny.
Granny's method for testing the temperature of the candy:
Fill a small glass with cold water. Take a small spoonful of the hot candy syrup and pour it into the glass of water. The water will immediately cool the candy. If it has reached the hard crack stage, you will hear a crack as the candy enters the water. You can also feel the candy after it has cooled in the water. You should be able to snap it in two.
It will take about 16 minutes for the syrup to reach the hard crack stage. Stay near and watch the temperature closely because as it nears 300 it can move quickly. Once it is ready carefully pour the syrup onto a cookie sheet. (I use a 12x17 pan. For easy clean-up line the pan with parchment)
Allow the candy to cool.
Melt the chocolate chips and spread evenly over the top of the cooled toffee. Gently crush almonds in your hand as you sprinkle them on top of the melted chocolate. To set the chocolate quickly, place the candy in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Once it is set, break the candy into bite size pieces and enjoy. ADDITIONAL TECHNIQUES
How to Toast Almonds
It is always a good idea to toast any nuts before using them in a recipe. It enhances the natural flavor and texture of the nuts. To toast, place a shallow tray of nuts in an aluminum foil lined pan in a 350 degree oven for about 5 minutes. Allow to cool and then lift the foil out of the pan to conveniently add to the recipe.
How to Melt Chocolate
In a saucepan boil some water. Once the water is boiling, remove from heat and place a bowl of chocolate chips over the top of the water. (The bowl should be the same size as the pan and the bottom of the bowl should not touch the water). The steam from the water will heat the bowl and melt the chocolate chips. (Chocolate chips can also be melted in the microwave)