English Toffee

Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 Tb. water
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp.pure vanilla extract (I use vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor)
1/2 cup chopped almonds (or walnuts or pecans if you prefer)
1/2 bag of bitter-sweet chocolate chips (I used a mixture of chocolates I had left over...just make sure they are dark)

 
Make a foil tray about 10 X 10 inch square with 1 inch sides and put on a cookie sheet.

 
In a heavy medium saucepan heat the butter, sugar, salt and water on medium heat until the sugar dissolves then stir occasionally until the mixture reaches 305 degrees on a candy thermometer. 

Remove the candy from the heat and stir in the vanilla quickly and pour the candy into the foil tray. Let toffee cool for about 45 minutes.

Meanwhile...

Chop the nuts.

 

Melt chocolate in the microwave stirring every 30 seconds until melted, or melt over a double boiler. Spread melted chocolate evenly over the top of the toffee.

Sprinkle nuts over the chocolate layer and lightly press into the chocolate. Let cool or put in refrigerator until set.

Slice the toffee into squares, and enjoy!

Adapted from "You Made That?" food blog.