How do your make plain basic English toffee?

Answer 1

1 Cup of White Sugar

1 Cup of Butter

1/4 teaspoon of Salt

1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract

6 ounces Chocolate Chips

***It is highly recommend you use a candy thermometer***

Prepare a cookie sheet, either with wax paper or a silicon mat. Set aside.

In a saucepan over low heat, mix the butter and sugar until butter is fully melted. Stirring just about constantly, bring mixture's temperature between 300 and 320 degrees Fahrenheit by medium heat.

You will notice the mixture start off as a gelatinous mix of butter and sugar as the water boils off it will coalesce and fluff up. Once the mixture collapses you are at the right stage, now just get it past 300 degrees. DO NOT LET IT GO OVER 320. If it does, the sugar will cook into caramel, the butter will separate from the sugar and you will have nothing resembling toffee.

Once the mixture reaches the proper stage, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt quickly.

Spread your mixture over the prepared sheet, and use a spatula (preferably silicone) to shape the mixture into a rounded rectangle (as best you can).

While the mixture is still hot, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top, covering the mixture.

Allow to sit for a few minutes until the bottoms of the chips are shiny, then spread the chocolate with a spatula.

*note: you can add things like almonds or rice krispies on top of the chocolate before it cools to add more texture or taste.

Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes. Then break into peices.

Store in air tight container in the fridge.

original source: http://www.cooks.com/

Answer 2

There are a hundred variations, but I found a simple recipe with clear directions and pictures that show exactly what the recipe should look like at each step. The chocolate and nuts can be optional. See the link below.