Favorite Christmas Traditions Series: English Toffee

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My oldest daughters favorite Christmas treat is this amazingly simple English Toffee.  I’ve always been intimidated by making candy.  But this is so easy, it’s next to impossible to mess up.  This recipe comes from my Grandma’s recipe book and only takes 5 ingredients and about 20 minutes.  I also give this out for quick, cheap, and easy Christmas and Hostess gifts.  It just wouldn’t be Christmas at our house without some of this in the candy dish. 

Easy English Toffee

By Grandma Carol

Makes 2lbs.

2C. Butter (MUST be real butter)

2C. White Sugar

¼ tsp. Salt

2C. Chocolate Chips (You can use whichever you like, I prefer semi-sweet or dark chocolate)

1C. Chopped Almonds (You can chop them coarse or fine.  I prefer them to be somewhere in-between)\

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan add butter, sugar, and salt.  Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted.  It will start to boil.  Cook, stirring occasionally until it becomes the same shade as a brown paper bag (my grandma puts a bag on the counter next to the stove to match the color) or until it reaches 285 degrees if you have a candy thermometer. 

While the toffee is cooking, cover a large cookie sheet or jelly-roll pan  with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

When toffee is ready, pour it into the cookie sheet and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top and let them sit for a minute to get warm and soften.  With a knife or spatula, spread the chocolate into a thin layer and sprinkle the nuts over the chocolate and press them in a little. 

Scoring the toffee at this point will make it easier to break into pieces once set, but it’s not necessary.  Place the toffee in the refrigerator and chill until set.  Break into pieces and enjoy!

What are your favorite Christmas Candy recipes? Feel free to include a link in the comments! J

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