almond roca

oh man oh man oh man oh man!!! toffee + chocolate + salted almonds = THIS. please, make this. you will not regret.

auditory pairing: stars - sleep tonight (junior boys mix)

almond roca

from recipe girl

yields 3 cups

1.5 c chopped salted almonds

1 c packed light brown sugar

1 c (2 sticks) salted butter

3-4 bars hershey's chocolate (depending on what size pan you use)

candy thermometer (optional)

cocoa powder (optional)

1. butter a 7 x 11 inch pan (i just used a 9 x 9), sprinkle half the almonds (3/4 c) in the pan

2. in a heavy saucepan at medium-high, melt butter and add brown sugar

3. stir until gently boiling

4. reduce heat to medium/medium-low and boil, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer reads 300 F

4a. if you don't have a candy thermometer, boil until the color turns a rich caramel, this may happen between 5 and 12 minutes (mine was closer to 5)

5. remove toffee mixture from heat, and pour into pan over almonds

6. sprinkle a little cocoa powder over the toffee (this helps the toffee and chocolate bind to each other)

7. place chocolate bars on top in a single layer

8. let sit for a minute or so until melted

9. using the back of a spoon, spread the chocolate around carefully

10. sprinkle with remaining toasted almonds (3/4 c), and gently press them in

11. cool completely, then break into chunks with a knife

12. EAT THEM ALL IMMEDIATELY (or store in a covered container)

and MERRY XMAS!