Homemade Pecan Toffee:

Homemade Pecan Toffee is a classic treat that combines the rich, buttery sweetness of toffee with the crunch of toasted pecans. Whether you’re making it for holiday gifting, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
• 1 cup (2 sticks) Challenge unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 8 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped (optional)
• Sea salt flakes for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Ensure it’s large enough to accommodate the toffee mixture when poured.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

1. In a dry skillet, toast the coarsely chopped pecans over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes or until they become fragrant and slightly browned. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
2. Once toasted, immediately transfer the pecans to the prepared baking sheet and spread them out in an even layer. This will be the base for your toffee.

Step 3: Prepare the Toffee Mixture

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add the granulated sugar, water, and salt to the melted butter. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom.
4. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 290-300°F (143-149°C), which is the hard-crack stage. This should take around 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Add Vanilla Extract and Pour

1. Once the toffee mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat.
2. Carefully stir in the pure vanilla extract.
3. Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture over the toasted pecans on the prepared baking sheet. Work quickly but be cautious as the mixture is extremely hot.

Step 5: Cool and Set

1. Allow the toffee to cool and set for about 20-30 minutes.
2. If you’re adding chocolate, sprinkle the chopped chocolate evenly over the hot toffee. Wait for a couple of minutes until it begins to melt, then spread it out with a spatula.
3. If you desire, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the chocolate for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Step 6: Break into Pieces

1. Once the toffee is completely cool and the chocolate has set, use a knife to break it into irregular pieces or shards.
2. Store your Homemade Pecan Toffee in an airtight container, and enjoy!

Notes:

• Be cautious when working with hot sugar. It can cause severe burns, so handle it with care.
• You can customize your toffee by adding other toppings like crushed nuts, crushed candy canes, or drizzling with white chocolate.
• Store your toffee in a cool, dry place. If the weather is warm, you might want to refrigerate it to prevent melting.

Homemade Pecan Toffee is a sweet and crunchy treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of buttery toffee, toasted pecans, and optional chocolate is a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a heartfelt gift, this toffee recipe is a delicious way to indulge in a classic confection.