Mahogany Buttercrunch Toffee - almonds

Method

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place almonds on a cookie sheet and bake them for 5-10 minutes until golden.
• Watch carefully, they go from getting hot to dark brown in just a few seconds!
• Cool to room temperature.
• In a food processor pulse the almonds until they are finely chopped.
• Sprinkle half of the nuts over a 7 inch by 10 inch area of a greased baking sheet.
• Set aside.
• In a medium, heavy saucepan combine the brown sugar, water and butter.
• Have your baking soda and vanilla extract ready.
• Over medium heat bring the sugar mixture to boil.
• Stir occasionally to prevent burning until the mixture reaches 285 degrees F. (soft-crack stage).
• Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat as the temperature will rapidly rise.
• Immediately add the baking soda and vanilla extract.
• Pour this mixture over the nuts on your baking sheet.
• Quickly scatter the chocolate over the hot toffee.
• Press lightly so it starts melting.
• After about five minutes, the chocolate will be soft enough to spread with a long metal spatula in an even layer over the toffee.
• Spread the remaining chopped almonds over the melted chocolate.
• Cool completely and break into irregular pieces using a sharp knife.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for about one month.
• Makes one pound.
• Can be doubled.