Before the new year began, I purchased a National Day Calendar. This is the calendar that tells you when National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day is (January 3rd). It is filled with all sorts of interesting but not very terribly important information. I like to look ahead and plan appropriately. Today, January 8th, is: Argyle Day, Bubble Bath Day, Career Coach Day, Winter Skin Relief Day (a reminder that I need to moisturize more) and English Toffee Day. This last one is the one I want to celebrate.
My grandmother, Bernice Overson Naegle, was a beautiful and amazing woman. Oh how we love her! We call her Nonnie. (Her birthday is tomorrow, so this is a fitting tribute.) She made the most delicious English toffee. I wanted to learn to make it and asked her to teach me. She did, but she didn't just show me once, she had me work beside her three or four times until I had it just right. (I have shown my daughter, Leslie, how to make it a few times, but I need to make sure to show her a few more and to also make sure my granddaughter is with us.)
The ingredients include only salted butter, margarine (We used to buy Parkay, but I can't find that anymore, so I use Imperial.) sugar, water, sliced or slivered almonds, and milk chocolate. One also needs a heavy pot with a lid (Nonnie's toffee pot is now mine.), a very long-handled wooden spoon (My sister, Sheryl, gave me mine.), and a large cookie sheet. These few things produce a heavenly candy.
(If you are hoping to see the full recipe, I'm afraid that you will be disappointed. If everyone could make this, mine would not be such a treat. I will tell you that the main secret is that you have to scorch or burn the toffee.)
I've won many a blue ribbon for my toffee at the county fair, and I always bring some for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I made a pan this morning, and I will be sharing it this afternoon. (Maybe I'll be knocking at your door.)
Don't forget to celebrate Cheese Lover's Day on January 20th.
Thanks for the knock the only thing better then the toffee was the visit!
I need to make some toffee, it has been awhile. I've never used margarine in the mix it's too watery.
I remember pulling taffy at Aunt Bernice's house. There was always something wonderful to do there.
We know how wonderful your family toffee is. We need to figure a way to get together this year.
My Mom made a cookie sheet of toffee and hid it in the top shelf of the pantry. My friend Julie was over and we decided we wanted a piece… went into the pantry and shut the door… well of course trying to get the pan down caused it to crash on the floor… needless to say no one was happy that day!!!
I really loved reading the story of your toffee. What a treasure to have your grandmother's recipe, and the heavy pot too!