English Toffee

My aunt absolutely loves English Toffee, so when I saw this recipe on the wrapper of my 60% Cacao Ghiradelli bars (I know, of all the places to find a recipe!), I thought I'd give it a try for her! I had all of the ingredients, and even though I don't own a candy thermometer, I thought I'd give it a go. This came out *so good*. Even my husband who says he doesn't like Toffee really enjoyed it. In fact, after the first batch came out so good I made a second without the pecans for people who don't like (or can't eat) nuts. This one is for the archives!

Ingredients
Adapted from Ghiradelli

• 8 ounces 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bar
• 3/4 cups pecans, finely chopped
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. Toast the chopped pecans on a baking sheet in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until fragrant. With heavy-duty aluminum foil, form a 10-inch square shell with 1-inch high sides. (I lined a 13x9" baking dish with 2 layers of foil) Place the foil shell on a baking sheet, and set aside. In a heavy saucepan, cook the butter, sugar, water, and salt over medium heat until the temperature reaches 305F (hard-crack stage), stirring occasionally (watch closely after it reaches 290F because the temperature will increase rapidly). When the mixture becomes dark golden brown, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the foil shell. It will spread but may not reach the edges of the square. Cool at room temperature for 45 minutes, or until hard. Melt the chocolate according to instructions on the side of package. Spread melted chocolate over the cooled toffee, and sprinkle with the pecans, pressing lightly to set pecans into chocolate. Let set at room temperature 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set. Break toffee into pieces. Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 month.