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Famous Family Toffee

November 28, 2011 by Audra 56 Comments

Toffee

During WWII my Granddad James McCann served as a soldier overseas. He had a huge family with many siblings back home in Wisconsin, and his sweet sisters would gather together and send him care packages filled with homemade candy. I remember hearing stories about how popular this made him with the other soldiers who I’m sure all missed the comfort of something sweet made from the heart.

Since then, making candy around the holidays was a yearly tradition. It got passed down to my Mom’s cousin Rosemary, who taught my Mom the tricks to perfect toffee, caramels and turtles. The last few years they have gotten together along with my Aunt Shari to make big batches of candy for everyone to take and give as gifts or serve to guests for holiday get-togethers. Since I was actually home for Thanksgiving this year, I made sure that the candy-making could happen when I was around to document it and learn it. Being a sentimental sap, nothing gets me quite like family traditions. Pair it with buttery, crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth toffee and you may have my favorite thing ever.

Toffee

This toffee is simple but amazingly delicious. It consists of heating butter and brown sugar until it gets to just the right temperature, pouring it onto a cookie sheet, spreading chocolate on both sides (after one side hardens of course,) and sprinkling it with ground almonds. Now that I know the basics of this simple recipe, I’m already scheming up alterations. (sea salt?) Just as is though, I must say it’s perfect. I can’t think of a better treat to whip up around the holidays. And if you do- just remember the little bit of family history that comes along with it!

PS- Wedding Venue- check! Wedding Date-check! AND- I think I already found my dress too. Am I efficient or what?

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Famous Family Toffee
 
Ingredients
  • 1lb butter
  • 2c dark brown sugar
  • 1½ lb. Melting chocolate. (The official recipe says to use "Ambrosia's real dipping chocolate." I think any sort of chocolate candy melts would be fine.)
  • Ground blanched almonds (about ½-3/4 cup.)
Instructions
  1. In large saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar, mix using a wooden spoon until mixture reaches just over 275 on a candy thermometer. (Must be a hair over 275- if it's under that- the toffee will stick to your teeth.)
  2. Stir occasionally (not too much), watch carefully, use an ACCURATE thermometer, treat the thermometer carefully. When it gets to 275, let it stay there for about a minute, then pour into cookie sheet. (The traditional way is to use a stainless steel one, I think that any rimmed one would be fine, and in the future, I will line the pan with parchment or foil to make it easier.)
  3. Pour sugar mixture into cookie sheet and shake to spread it. After it has cooled slightly blot with a paper towel to pick up any excess oil.
  4. Meanwhile melt the half the chocolate in a glass measuring cup. The method my Grandma had written in the recipe suggested 2 minutes at medium heat, 1 minute at medium and then 30 seconds at medium stirring the chocoalte well in between each time.
  5. Spread chocolate over hardened sugar. Spread it with a spatula and sprinkle with ground almonds. Cool outside (or in the fridge) until chocolate is firm, flip and add same to reverse. Break into pieces. Enjoy!!
3.5.3251

Filed Under: Candy Tagged With: Chocolate

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Comments

  1. Averie says

    November 28, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    This looks wonderful! My mom makes toffee and although I am not great with a candy thermometer, you make me want to try again!

    Reply
  2. Krissy's Creations says

    November 28, 2011 at 8:58 pm

    Looks delicious! I Loooooove Toffee!

    Reply
  3. Curryandcomfort says

    November 28, 2011 at 9:45 pm

    Awww… I love the story behind these family toffees! :) What a great family tradition. Very nice recipe and perfect for the Christmas season!! Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Reply
  4. Kocinera says

    November 28, 2011 at 9:54 pm

    What a cool tradition! I love that it has been passed down through your family for such a long time. This looks like such a yummy winter treat!

    Reply
  5. Krista {Budget Gourmet Mom} says

    November 28, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    I can see why this is a famous family recipe. Homemade toffee is one of my all time favorite treats during the holidays!

    Reply
  6. KimBee says

    November 29, 2011 at 12:31 am

    This looks wicked good. Such an amazing story behind it too. I must try this out. I love toffee but have never made it.

    Reply
  7. carolyn bradford says

    November 29, 2011 at 12:50 am

    I am making this for my shop’s Open House on Dec. 8th! It looks divine and toffee is my favorite thing! But the fact that is has a great family history and story behind it!!! Well…that makes it all the more perfect for an Antique Shop’s Christmas Open House if you ask me!!!! http://www.mulberryheightsantiques.com
    much love,
    Carolyn Bradford

    Reply
  8. Emily @ Life on Food says

    November 29, 2011 at 12:52 am

    I cannot wait to try out this recipe. My gyerandmother used to make toffee every year till she passed away. Unfortunately no one got her recipe. Glad you could share your traditions.

    Reply
  9. Kiri W. says

    November 29, 2011 at 12:55 am

    Oh wow, what a beautiful tradition! :) The toffee does look utterly perfect and like I want to eat an entire sheet’s worth!
    Thank you so much for sharing your family recipe :)

    Reply
  10. Jessica | Oh Cake says

    November 29, 2011 at 12:57 am

    This is just gorgeous and I love the family back story!

    Reply
  11. Valerie Brunmeier says

    November 29, 2011 at 1:29 am

    Looks great! Just sent to a friend who is in search of a toffee recipe. Perfect timing!

    Reply
  12. Lindselicious says

    November 29, 2011 at 1:36 am

    Perfect timing! I have a huge bag of mac nuts I want to use up and thought that toffee with mac nuts would be awesome.

    Reply
  13. Amalia says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:28 am

    This looks so delicious!! Never made homemade toffee before, or candy for that matter, but I need to try this recipe, I mean it’s pretty much a legacy!

    Reply
  14. WineandGoodFood says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:37 am

    Looks amazing…my husband is a huge toffee fan so this recipe is definitely getting made over the holidays!

    Reply
  15. Audra (Baker Chick) says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:43 am

    Thanks! I hope you love it as much as I do :)

    Reply
  16. Audra (Baker Chick) says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:44 am

    Thanks Amalia! I recently made my first candy too and it’s so worth it! :)

    Reply
  17. Audra (Baker Chick) says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:44 am

    Ooh that does sound good!!

    Reply
  18. Audra (Baker Chick) says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:44 am

    Yes perfect timing! Thanks for passing it along!

    Reply
  19. Audra (Baker Chick) says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:45 am

    Thanks Jessica! Yes, it feel so special to make :)

    Reply
  20. Audra (Baker Chick) says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:45 am

    Thanks so much Kiri! It really is a yummy one!

    Reply
  21. Audra (Baker Chick) says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:46 am

    Aw- I wonder if it would be a similar type of recipe! You’ll have to try it and see!

    Reply
  22. Audra (Baker Chick) says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:46 am

    Oh that’s wonderful Carolyn! Let me know how it goes :)

    Reply
  23. Audra (Baker Chick) says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:47 am

    Thanks Kim! It really is pretty easy to make and so worth it!

    Reply
  24. Audra (Baker Chick) says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:49 am

    Me too Krista- I love it! :)

    Reply
  25. Audra (Baker Chick) says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:49 am

    Thank You! I think that’s why I love it so much too!

    Reply
  26. Audra (Baker Chick) says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:50 am

    Thanks so much! I hope I can teach my kids someday too :)

    Reply
  27. Audra (Baker Chick) says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:50 am

    Thanks girl! Me Tooooo :)

    Reply
  28. Audra (Baker Chick) says

    November 29, 2011 at 4:50 am

    Candy thermometers are a pain but I swear it’s worth it :)

    Reply
  29. Sandra's Easy Cooking says

    November 29, 2011 at 5:08 am

    What a nice post..love those old family recipes and this one is a keeper for sure! Lovely photos and amazing recipe!!! Have a wonderful week, Audra!

    Reply
  30. Katrina says

    November 29, 2011 at 11:46 am

    Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe! It sounds lovely!

    Reply
  31. Lizzy Do says

    November 29, 2011 at 12:43 pm

    I make toffee every Christmas, but your version sandwiched between chocolate is amazing!! LOVE this beautiful recipe!

    Reply
  32. Shannon says

    November 29, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    I lOVE toffee and this looks wonderful!!

    Reply
  33. Rachel says

    November 29, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    That is gorgeous. Thank you very much for sharing your family tradition…especially one so tasty and steeped in history.

    Reply
  34. Erin says

    November 29, 2011 at 3:52 pm

    Wow ground almonds sound great! I actually thought it was sea salt from teh pictures. I love family traditions that involve food.

    Reply
  35. Elyse @The Cultural Dish says

    November 29, 2011 at 8:19 pm

    Wow! This is definitely a keeper! Sounds like such a wonderful recipe and your pictures are so appetizing!

    Reply
  36. Crystin says

    November 29, 2011 at 9:06 pm

    I can NOT wait to make this toffee. Thanks for the recipe :)

    Reply
  37. Joey says

    November 29, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    So wanna make toffee

    Reply
  38. Gen says

    November 30, 2011 at 12:14 pm

    Yum. This toffee looks incredible!

    Reply
  39. Erin says

    November 30, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    You really are making progress with the wedding – way to go!
    Toffee is one of my all time favorites, this looks perfect!
    I posted about your pumpkin pie cupcakes today :)

    Reply
  40. Jane Cooley says

    November 30, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    Oh I had to post this in my blog, thank you ..proper linkys done.
    I love toffee..sigh..I have to put my head down now on my desk before I drool.
    Waving from Houston.

    Reply
  41. thefoodierd.blogspot.com says

    November 30, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    Sounds delicious. I love family traditions, especially around the holidays.

    Reply
  42. Lauren at Keep It Sweet says

    November 30, 2011 at 3:24 pm

    I am so making this!

    You are making so much wedding progress, so exciting!!

    Reply
  43. Jen says

    November 30, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    We have one of those recipes in my family too! We look forward to it every year!

    Reply
  44. Maureen Wahhab says

    November 30, 2011 at 7:48 pm

    Lovely job Audra – on the story telling, photos, and mostly on the yummy toffee that I can’t stop eating. (Why didn’t you take more of this home???)

    Reply
  45. Laura Hickman says

    November 30, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    Oh wow! I am soooo making this….Thank you Baker Chic!!!

    Reply
  46. Dlee1 says

    December 1, 2011 at 12:17 am

    this looks exactly like my grandmother’s toffee except she used white sugar and told me to cook it until it was the color of peanut butter, her topping was ground walnuts on the chocolate. I think you’ve inspired me to make her Toffee, thanks!!

    Reply
  47. Samantha Fromm Haddow says

    December 4, 2011 at 3:24 pm

    Thank you for sharing this family treat! We always had huge blocks of ambrosia chocolate in the kitchen around the holidays. Most of it never made it into candies, but it was my mother and grandmother confection chocolate of choice. Maybe it’s a Milwaukee thing.

    Reply
  48. Elizevans says

    December 11, 2011 at 4:56 pm

    Hi Audra,
    I just made the toffee with my kids, and when we tested a corner for doneness by pressing down on it with a chef’s knife, the piece that broke off separated by layers, leaving us with a piece of the butter/sugar section, and two pieces of chocolate. I used a thermometer, got it to the right temp, and cooled the creation in the fridge for 20 minutes after adding each layer of chocolate. We didn’t put the butter/sugar mixture in the fridge before applying chocolate. What did we do to cause its breaking apart by layers when we cut it? (3 amazingly yummy layers, btw). Thanks for this recipe…one of my friends makes it every Christmas, and we all count the days until she passes out the little containers of it…but she won’t share the recipe, calling it a family secret! :) I’ve been trying to find it for years!

    Reply
  49. Audra (Baker Chick) says

    December 11, 2011 at 5:05 pm

    Hello!
    Here is the first thing that comes to mind: Did you blot the butter/sugar mixture with a paper towel before adding the chocolate? That step helps absorb any excess butter that may cause the surface to be slightly oily and repel the chocolate.

    I’ll also ask my Mom/Aunts who have been making this for years. They may have more insight :)

    Reply
  50. Elizevans says

    December 11, 2011 at 10:13 pm

    I did blot it, but the paper towels I have are not the most absorbent, and they may have left some butter on the surface…I’m not sure. Let me know if your mom and aunt have any input, because I love the recipe and would like to do it perfectly! Can’t wait to try it with sea salt.
    I’ll check back to see if you find out more from your mom and aunts – thanks!

    Reply
  51. Jessica says

    December 23, 2011 at 6:03 am

    Hi,
    I definitely want to try this recipe, just wondering are the temperatures you give in celsius or fahrenheit?
    Thanks, Jessica

    Reply
  52. SamanthaFrommHaddow says

    January 17, 2012 at 1:47 am

    Holy cow, Audra! I just made this tonight. It is absolutely amazing! A huge thank you to you and your family for sharing.

    Reply
  53. Allison says

    July 16, 2013 at 11:29 am

    Hi Audra – each time I’ve made this toffee it ends up a bit soft. I don’t want to over cook the toffee and my thermometer reads 275. Should I assume that my thermometer is not quite accurate and cook it a bit longer? It still tastes delicious, it just has the consistency of a chewy caramel. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Audra says

      July 16, 2013 at 11:46 am

      Hey Allison! Have you ever calibrated your thermometer? Boil some water and check the temperature. Since water will always boil at 212F- you can see if yours if off. It sounds like it does need to be cooked a little longer for the right consistency! :)

      Reply
  54. LaVonne Young says

    January 10, 2018 at 12:39 am

    Great story!
    I put chocolate chips on the hot candy, spread them out as they melted, and then sprinkled the almonds on right away.
    I do have to say though I tried to cut the recipe in half and it tastes burnt. Hmmm, as I always cook my English toffee to 300° even though I only cooked this to 275°. Hmmm…
    Gonna try again tomorrow with the full recipe!

    Reply
    • LaVonne Young says

      January 10, 2018 at 8:27 am

      Did you cook it over medium heat, or medium high?

      Reply

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