Holiday Candy Recipes
I have gotten many requests for the recipes I used to make both the peanut butter cups and toffee at Christmas and Luke’s birthday… here they are!
Chocolate Almond Toffee
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups butter
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup finely chopped almonds
In a large heavy bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, sugar and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted. Allow to come to a boil, and cook until the mixture becomes a dark amber color, and the temperature has reached 285 degrees F (137 degrees C). Stir occasionally.
While the toffee is cooking, cover a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
As soon as the toffee reaches the proper temperature, pour it out onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the chocolate over the top, and let it set for a minute or two to soften. Spread the chocolate into a thin even layer once it is melted. Sprinkle the nuts over the chocolate, and press in slightly. Putting a plastic bag over your hand will minimize the mess.
Place the toffee in the refrigerator to chill until set. Break into pieces, and store in an airtight container.
(recipe taken from allrecipes.com – http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Best-Toffee-Ever—Super-Easy/Detail.aspx)
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
- 4-1/2 teaspoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 ounces each), coarsely chopped
- Colored sprinkles, optional
Directions:
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup peanut butter, butter, confectioners’ sugar and salt until smooth; set aside.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, candy bars and remaining peanut butter; stir until smooth.
Drop teaspoonfuls of chocolate mixture into paper-lined miniature muffin cups. Top each with a scant teaspoonful of peanut butter mixture; top with another teaspoonful of chocolate mixture. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Refrigerate until set. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 3 dozen.
(Recipe taken from tasteofhome.com – http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Homemade-Peanut-Butter-Cups)