COLD DAYS IN THE TINY KITCHEN

Puttering around in the tiny kitchen is a lot more fun when the weather is chilly and damp.  So this is definitely my year for kitchen puttering. 

We're cooking stews and casseroles -- the sorts of things that taste much better when it's gray out.   We haven't experienced this kind of weather (or this kind of food) much in recent years. 

And whether because  of the weather or because we're closer to family, I did more Christmas give-away cooking than I have for years.  It was fun looking up recipes for old favorites that we'd almost forgotten about.

But I had the most fun making a new (to me) recipe for English Toffee.  The recipe is on the Internet and I was directed to it through a visitor to this blog.  This lady:   HOOTIN' ANNI.    She visited here and sweetly left a comment inviting me over for a bite of candy.   Her blog was great to visit and virtual sharing was fun and certainly lower in calories, but I couldn't wait to try the real thing.  And didn't somebody say that calories at Christmas don't count?

This recipe was so easy to make and turned out great.  I haven't made candy in years and don't even own a candy thermometer any more -- it wasn't really at all necessary.

Here's the so easy recipe for what I am now calling:

BLOG TOFFEE

INGREDIENTS:

Equal amounts real butter and white sugar (I used one cup each). But I've made it twice now!

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup finely chopped almonds

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cover a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.  I don't own a large baking sheet (because this is a tiny kitchen with a small oven).  So I lined two glass pie pans.

2. Combine butter, sugar and salt in large heavy-bottomed pan.  (I used my trusty cast-iron skillet!)  (Do NOT melt butter first). Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter is melted.  Allow to come to a boil and cook until the entire  mixture becomes a dark amber color.  (If you own a candy thermometer the temperature is 285 degrees.)  But you don't need it because we all know what color toffee is supposed to be!  

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3. As soon as toffee reaches proper color (or temperature), pour it out onto the prepared baking sheet.  Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top and let set for a couple of minutes to soften.  Then spread into a thin even layer.  Sprinkle almonds over and press in slightly.  (Put a plastic bag over your hand.)

4. Place in refrigerator and chill until set.  Break into irregular pieces; store in airtight container.  Or put on plates, wrap with plastic wrap and give some of it away quick before you eat it all.  If you are better organized than I am, your plates will have a holiday theme and the almonds will be more finely chopped.

Yummy stuff.  Thanks Anni!

 

 

Comments

[Blissed-Out Grandma]

Ooh, seeing the toffee turn to that lovely color makes me want to make some...as soon as we finish the tons of treats we still have all over the place!

[Margot at Joyfully Retired]

I love the look of your kitchen. (I'm planning a similar picture of mine in an upcoming blog post.) I like your island space. That must help a lot. RV kitchens are so small after coming from a conventional house kitchen but I find mine very efficient to use.

Thanks for the toffee recipe. It sounds easy to make so I'm going to give it a try.

[Joe Todd]

Love your Christmas decorations and would really like to try the toffee but after the "hike" a few days ago I've got to loose some weight LOL What to do with the Christmas candy still in the house????? Have a great week

[Chatty Crone]

That looks delicious. Your home looks beautitul too. You have a lot of room in there. I gave someone who used to do 'RV -ing' your blog - Deb at Driving@55. I was talking to her yesterday so I sent her your address. Hope she writes.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sandie

[Quasi Serendipita]

That looks great! I've never made toffee but will certainly have a go :)

[Hootin' Anni]

Oh boy, oh boy....that looks ever so yummy!! And it IS easy isn't it? I couldn't believe the simplicity of the recipe, and the taste of it all is just scrumptious!!! Glad you tried it, and glad you liked it. Yep, me either....I don't have a candy thermometer either, and with this you don't need one.

HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU and yours.
I'll be back to blogging hopefully really soon.

PS...love your photo below in the blog entry just below this...with both 'Santas' at the table!! That is just absolutely grand.

[Krystal]

Oh that looks wonderful! I love your kitchen. You have so much more countertop space than I do! We make do, but I hope someday to have a bit more.