Maple Nut Toffee

Ingredients

• cooking spray
• 1 cup almonds, divided
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup maple syrup
• ½ cup cold butter
• 1 cup chocolate chips (Optional)

Step 1

Lin a baking sheet with foil and giving it a light spray of cooking spray. Set aside about 2 tablespoons of almonds, then spread the rest evenly over the foil. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar and maple syrup over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a steady boil, which should take around 10 minutes.

Step 2

While that’s happening, preheat your oven to 350°F. Once it’s heated, turn the oven off and pop your prepared baking sheet inside to warm it up. Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan, then add the butter. Keep stirring now and then until the mixture reaches 300°F or if you drop a bit into cold water, it forms a hard, brittle thread—this usually takes about 20 minutes.

Step 3

Carefully take the warm baking sheet out of the oven and pour the hot caramel over the almonds, spreading it out to about a quarter-inch thickness. Sprinkle the reserved almonds and chocolate chips over any empty spots. Once the chocolate melts, spread it evenly over the top. Let everything cool completely for at least half an hour before breaking it into pieces and enjoying!