Melt-in-Your-Mouth Georgia Toffee: A Classic Southern Treat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

1. Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will make it easier to remove the toffee once it has set.
2. Gather All Ingredients: Toffee comes together quickly, so it’s essential to have all ingredients measured and ready to go before you start cooking.

Step 2: Make the Toffee Mixture

1. Melt the Butter and Sugar: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and salt. Place the pan over medium heat and stir the mixture constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
2. Cook to Hard-Crack Stage: Continue cooking the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the “hard-crack” stage, where the toffee will be perfectly crisp once it cools. The mixture will turn a beautiful amber color as it cooks.
3. Add the Vanilla: Once the toffee reaches the desired temperature, quickly remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful, as the vanilla may cause the mixture to bubble up slightly.

Step 3: Pour and Spread the Toffee

1. Pour the Toffee: Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into an even layer with a heat-resistant spatula. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch, but it doesn’t have to be perfect.
2. Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the hot toffee, pressing them down gently with the spatula. You can also add a layer of melted chocolate once the toffee cools slightly for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Let the Toffee Set

1. Cool Completely: Allow the toffee to cool at room temperature for about an hour, or until it hardens completely. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.
2. Break into Pieces: Once the toffee has set, use your hands to break it into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve or Store: Georgia Toffee is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep the toffee pieces separated by layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Tips for Perfect Toffee

• Use a Candy Thermometer: Precision is key when making toffee, as the difference between chewy and crisp toffee lies in temperature. A candy thermometer ensures you reach the hard-crack stage without burning the mixture.
• Stir Constantly: Stirring prevents the sugar from burning and helps the toffee mixture cook evenly.
• Experiment with Toppings: While chopped nuts are traditional, feel free to get creative! Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt, a drizzle of white chocolate, or even crushed peppermint for a festive twist.