Homemade Heath bars.... Toffee / Caramel

 Homemade Heath Bars.-  I've always loved Heath Bars. Love the Toffee and Caramel but noticed that there are no Heath Bars South of the Border 😕 Sigh.... It wasn't a big deal, it's just a candy bar after all.

Having learned to "make-it-yourself" in many cases and being a Chef (and now under lockdown which incentivizes me even further) and have been not just keeping busy but very productive and tasty treats!

So, back to Heath Bars.... Super easy to make, no fancy ingredients and made in 15 minutes!! Is this great or what?

Here's what you need:

1 cup sugar

1 cup butter, salted

2 tsp Vanilla

1/2 tsp fine Sea Salt, Flake Salt or your favorite

1 cup Chocolate Chips, your choice

Optional:

1/2 - 1 cup roasted peeled almonds, in small pieces

This recipe comes together very quickly so make sure you measure out all your ingredients and have them ready. This is made for a 9 x 12 rectangular pan but any size can be used, cover well with parchment paper and secure the paper with a few drops of oil to the pan you are using so it will stay put.

Put a heavy pot or non stick pot over high heat and add the butter and sugar to the pan. When the butter and sugar mix start boiling you will then stir non-stop. You can lower the heat a little if you want but it will take longer.

You'll see the mixture thicken, bubbles will get bigger then it will turn a lighter yellow before starting to turn brown because it might be ready at this point. You need to watch this carefully so it doesn't burn. You can use a candy thermometer for a 300 F - 149 C. Turn off the heat and add the Vanilla, mix.

Turn into your prepared pan and spread gently and evenly all over the pan. Pour the Chocolate Chips evenly over the toffee and cover with a sheet of foil to keep the heat inside and help the chips. Wait about 10 minutes before uncovering, but once you do you can spread the chips carefully, you'll see they've melted. Once it's well covered, put the foil back on and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

You can remove the candy by pulling out with the parchment paper, put on the table so you can cut into bite size pieces.

NOTE: If you want to add nuts like Almonds, Pistachios, Walnuts, etc. you can either place them first on your pan, cover with the toffee.... Or you can top the chocolate with nuts, your choice.

I hope you will try this super easy recipe that is great for food gifts, guests, holidays, pot lucks or just to have around the house. Enjoy!