Description: Aunt Rose’s Fantastic Butter Toffee is a classic, decadent treat that combines the nutty crunch of toasted almonds, the creamy sweetness of milk chocolate, and the buttery, caramelized perfection of homemade toffee. This recipe, passed down through generations, delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: Don’t let the candy thermometer intimidate you! This recipe is surprisingly straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of buttery toffee, rich chocolate, and crunchy almonds is a universal favorite that will disappear quickly at any gathering.
- Perfect for Gifting: This toffee is a beautiful and delicious homemade gift that is sure to impress your friends and family.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make this toffee days in advance and store it in an airtight container, making it perfect for holiday baking or party planning.
- Versatile: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, chocolates, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a personalized touch.
Introduction
Butter toffee holds a special place in the hearts of many, evoking memories of holidays, family gatherings, and cozy nights by the fire. Aunt Rose’s recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a legacy. It represents the warmth and generosity of a woman who always knew how to make everyone feel special. This recipe has been meticulously perfected over the years, resulting in a toffee that is consistently delicious and satisfying. The key to its success lies in the careful balance of ingredients and the attention to detail in the cooking process.
The process of making toffee might seem intimidating, but with a little patience and attention to detail, anyone can create this delectable confection. We’ll break down each step, providing helpful tips and tricks to ensure that your toffee turns out perfectly every time. From toasting the almonds to achieving the perfect soft-crack stage in the candy, we’ll guide you through the entire process. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a batch of Aunt Rose’s Fantastic Butter Toffee that will be cherished for years to come! If you are looking to make this butter toffee, or variations of it. Feel free to explore different toppings, flavors or even the type of chocolate that is used.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unblanched whole almonds
- 11 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Preparation:
Step 1: Toast the Almonds
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the unblanched whole almonds in a single layer on a shallow baking pan. Toast them in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as burnt almonds will impart a bitter taste to the toffee. Once toasted, remove the almonds from the oven and let them cool completely. Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and gives them a delightful crunch that complements the smooth toffee and chocolate.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate and Almonds
While the almonds are cooling, prepare the chocolate and almonds for layering. In a food processor, pulse the chopped milk chocolate until it is finely ground. Be careful not to overprocess, as this can cause the chocolate to seize up. Transfer the ground chocolate to a bowl and set aside.
Next, in the same food processor, pulse the cooled toasted almonds until they are coarsely chopped. You want them to be in small pieces, but not completely pulverized. You should still have some texture and recognizable almond pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan
Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan thoroughly. This will prevent the toffee from sticking and make it easier to remove once it has set. You can use butter, cooking spray, or even line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
Sprinkle 1 cup of the coarsely chopped almonds evenly over the bottom of the greased pan. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of the ground chocolate evenly over the layer of almonds. This base layer provides a delicious foundation for the toffee.
Step 4: Make the Toffee
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the cubed butter, granulated sugar, and cold water. The heavy-bottomed pan is essential to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Once the mixture is smooth, stop stirring frequently and let it come to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Continue cooking until the candy thermometer reaches 290°F (143°C), which is the soft-crack stage. This stage is crucial for achieving the perfect toffee texture. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, but avoid over-stirring, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize.
The toffee will go through several stages as it cooks. First, it will bubble and foam. Then, it will begin to turn a light golden color. As it approaches the soft-crack stage, it will darken to a rich amber hue.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Once the toffee reaches 290°F (143°C), immediately pour the hot mixture evenly over the almonds and chocolate in the prepared pan. Work quickly, as the toffee will start to set as it cools.
Sprinkle the remaining ground chocolate evenly over the hot toffee. The heat from the toffee will melt the chocolate, creating a smooth, luscious layer. Then, sprinkle the remaining coarsely chopped almonds over the melted chocolate.
Gently press the chocolate and almonds into the toffee to ensure they adhere.
Refrigerate the pan until the toffee is completely set and firm, which usually takes at least 2-3 hours.
Step 6: Break into Pieces
Once the toffee is set, remove it from the refrigerator. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, lift the toffee out using the overhang. Otherwise, gently loosen the edges with a knife or spatula.
Break the toffee into bite-sized pieces. You can use a knife, but it’s often easier to simply break it with your hands. The irregular shapes add to the rustic charm of this homemade treat.
COOKING Rating:
Difficulty: Medium
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the toffee as a standalone dessert for after a meal
- Pack the toffee in decorative tins or bags for gifting.
- Serve alongside coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Crumble the toffee over ice cream or yogurt for a decadent topping.
- Include the toffee on a dessert platter with other holiday favorites.
Tips:
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan: This will help prevent the toffee from scorching and ensure even heat distribution.
- Use a candy thermometer: A candy thermometer is essential for achieving the perfect soft-crack stage.
- Don’t overstir: Over-stirring can cause the sugar to crystallize.
- Work quickly: Once the toffee reaches the soft-crack stage, pour it into the pan immediately.
- Let the toffee cool completely: This will ensure that it sets properly.
- Store in an airtight container: This will prevent the toffee from becoming sticky or stale.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cook Time:
- 20 minutes
Total Time:
- 4-5 Hours (Including Chilling)
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, may vary depending on portion size)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 4-5g
- Sodium: 30-50mg
Conclusion
Aunt Rose’s Fantastic Butter Toffee is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the joy of creating something special with your own hands, the satisfaction of sharing it with loved ones, and the memories that it evokes. This recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or a novice baker, this recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition in your own home. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and prepare to indulge in the delightful flavors of Aunt Rose’s Fantastic Butter Toffee.
Q&A About Aunt Rose’s Fantastic Butter Toffee:
Q1: What happens if my toffee doesn’t reach the soft-crack stage?
A: If your toffee doesn’t reach the soft-crack stage (290°F or 143°C), it will be too soft and sticky. It will also take longer to set. To fix this, you can carefully pour the mixture back into the saucepan and continue cooking it until it reaches the correct temperature, monitoring it closely with a candy thermometer. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Q2: Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts such as pecans, walnuts, macadamia nuts, or even a combination of your favorites. Each type of nut will impart its unique flavor and texture to the toffee. Just be sure to toast them lightly before adding them to the recipe to enhance their flavor.
Q3: What if I don’t have a candy thermometer? Is there another way to tell when the toffee is ready?
A: While a candy thermometer is the most accurate way to determine when the toffee is ready, you can also use the cold water test. Drop a small spoonful of the hot toffee mixture into a bowl of ice water. If the mixture forms a hard, brittle thread that separates easily, it has reached the soft-crack stage. However, this method is less precise, so a candy thermometer is highly recommended for best results.
Q4: My chocolate is melting unevenly on top of the toffee. What should I do?
A: If your chocolate is melting unevenly, you can gently place the pan back in the oven for a minute or two to help it melt more evenly. Alternatively, you can use a kitchen torch or a hair dryer (on low heat) to gently melt the chocolate. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as this can cause it to burn or seize up.
Q5: How should I store the toffee to keep it fresh?
A: To keep your Aunt Rose’s Fantastic Butter Toffee fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Layer the pieces between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. If stored properly, the toffee will last for up to two weeks.
