Discover how to create the most scrumptious toffee right in your own kitchen with Ineskohl Kitchen’s step-by-step recipe. Bursting with a perfect blend of crunchy pecans, silky chocolate, and rich caramel, it’s a treat you won’t forget.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of pecans, finely chopped (and some extra for garnishing)
- 1 cup (200 grams) of granulated sugar
- 1 cup (226 grams) of butter, cut into pieces
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ cup (60 ml) of water
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips (use moderately to ensure the toffee remains the highlight)
- Flaked sea salt (optional, for garnishing)
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Pan: Using scissors, line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Lay the Base: Evenly spread 1 cup of chopped pecans on the bottom of your lined baking dish. For enhanced flavor, give the pecans a quick toast in the oven before using them.
- Prepare the Caramel Mixture: In a pot with thick sides for even heat distribution, combine the granulated sugar, butter pieces, salt, and water. Set the pot over medium heat.
- Stir & Monitor: Regularly stir the mixture to allow the butter to melt into the sugar. Ensure you have a candy thermometer to keep track of the temperature. Aim for 300 degrees which is the hard crack stage.
- Add Vanilla: Once the caramel mixture reaches 300 degrees, remove from heat. Carefully stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Pour & Set: Transfer the caramel over the pecans in your baking dish, spreading it out to ensure it covers the entire surface.
- Chocolate Time: After letting the caramel cool for a couple of minutes, sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and let it sit, allowing the heat from the caramel to melt the chocolate.
- Garnish: After about 4 minutes, or when the chocolate is melted, spread it smoothly with a spatula. Garnish with additional finely chopped pecans and optionally, a sprinkle of flaked sea salt for a burst of contrast and flavor.
- Let it Set: For best results, let your toffee set for about 4 hours. If you’re short on time, you can expedite the process by placing it in the fridge.
- Serve: Once set, remove the toffee from the pan, and either break into pieces or use a knife for cleaner cuts. Dive into your homemade toffee delight!
Serving Suggestions & Tips:
- Presentation: Serve your toffee on a decorative platter or in a gift box if you’re sharing as a gift. The contrasting layers of nutty pecans, rich caramel, and glossy chocolate are visually appealing and deserve to be showcased.
- Storage: Store any leftover toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your home is particularly warm, consider refrigerating the toffee and letting it come to room temperature before consuming for the best flavor and texture.
- Customization: While pecans are our nut of choice, you can experiment with other nuts like almonds or walnuts. The key is to toast them slightly to bring out their flavors.
- Caramel Caution: Making caramel requires patience. Remember, the temperature will rise fast initially, then plateau for a bit before rising again. Using a candy thermometer will ensure precision.
- Perfect Pairings: This toffee pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, enhancing the flavors of both the drink and the dessert.
Closing Notes:
Thank you for joining us at Ineskohl Kitchen today! We pride ourselves on delivering recipes that not only taste divine but also evoke the pleasure of cooking and sharing. This toffee is a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary results. We’d love to see how your toffee turned out! Share your creations with us.
