Holiday Toffee

INGREDIENTS: 

1 cup almonds 

1 cup butter 

1 cup sugar 

¼ tsp salt 

½ tsp vanilla 

1 (12 oz) package milk chocolate chips  

¼ cup finely chopped pecans 

PROCEDURE: 

1. Toast almonds by spreading them in a single layer on a plate and microwaving on high for 2-3 minutes (stir after each minute).  

1. On a foil lined baking sheet, arrange almonds in a single layer over an area measuring 13×9 inches.  

1. In a heavy 2-quart saucepan combine butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Cook over medium high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the butter is melted. Continue cooking for approximately 7-10 minutes, until candy is the color of the brown skin on the almonds (it will start smoking slightly).  

1. Immediately pour candy, without scraping pan, over the almonds, covering all nuts. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot candy. Wai tone minute and spread the melted chocolate until it is smooth. Sprinkle with pecans. Let cool and break into pieces. Store in a tightly covered container in cool place or refrigerator.