A good, basic recipe for making rich, buttery English toffee.

English Toffee

1 cup butter

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup toasted slivered or sliced almonds - divided use

1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces

1. Generously butter a large baking sheet. Set aside.
2. Combine butter and sugar in a large heavy saucepan. Cook and stir over high heat until mixture boils. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring constantly, until candy thermometer reaches 310°F (155°C). Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup of the almonds. Stir quickly and pour onto prepared baking sheet.
3. When it has cooled somewhat, but is still very warm, sprinkle the semisweet chocolate pieces over top. Once softened, spread chocolate with a spatula evenly over toffee. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of almonds.
4. Cool and and break into serving pieces.

Makes about 2 pounds.