Ready For Halloween? This Year Try Pumpkin Toffee

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Just in time for the season too! Pumpkin seems to be in everything these days, from your favorite coffee to main courses.  But here's a simple, delicious and easy way to bring out the Pumpkin and enjoy Halloween.  Sally McKenney, who wrote the new cookbook Sally's Candy Addiction stopped by Tonia's Kitchen to talk about her recipe for Pumpkin Spice Toffee.  It can easily be done on a stovetop, and the ingredients are simple. Despite that, it'll make Halloween party guests think you have your own candy making machine! Find out more on Sally's website

Ingredients

1½ cups (149g) raw unsalted pecan halves, coarsely chopped

1 cup (2 sticks; 227g) unsalted butter, cubed, plus more if using for greasing

½ cup (120ml) warm water

1 cup plus 2 tbsp (225g) sugar, divided

1 tsp salt

1 tsp light corn syrup

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

6oz (170g) white chocolate, broken into small pieces

½ tsp ground cinnamon

Special Equipment

large baking sheet

12 x 17-in (30 x 43cm) jelly roll pan or a similar-sized rimmed baking sheet

silicone baking mat (recommended)

3-qt (2.8L) heavy-duty saucepan

pastry brush

candy thermometer

1 Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and a 12 x 17-in (30 x 43cm) jelly roll pan with a silicone baking mat or lightly butter or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the chopped pecans onto the baking sheet and toast for 7–8 minutes, or until very lightly browned. Set aside.

2 Melt the cubed butter over medium heat in a 3-qt (2.8L) heavy-duty saucepan, stirring occasionally (about every 2 minutes) with a wooden spoon. Once melted, add the water, 1 cup (200g) of sugar, salt, and corn syrup. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves, then brush down the sides of the pan with a water-moistened pastry brush. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan, making sure not to let it touch the bottom.

3 Once the sugar has dissolved, bring the mixture to a boil. Rapid bubbles, a thicker consistency, and a slightly darker color form around 235°F (113°C). Stir lightly once every minute until the candy reaches 290°F (143°C; soft crack stage).

4 Remove pan from the heat and stir in the pumpkin pie spice and 1 cup of the toasted pecans. Pour the toffee out onto the prepared jelly roll pan. Smooth into an even layer with a wooden spoon. The toffee should be thick and not spread all the way to the edges of the pan. Allow the toffee to cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle the top with white chocolate. Allow the white chocolate to soften and melt from the heat of the toffee, then spread the melted white chocolate into an even layer using a rubber spatula or the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the top with remaining toasted pecans.

5 Quickly mix the cinnamon and remaining 2 tablespoons (25g) of sugar together in a small bowl. Sprinkle on top. Refrigerate for 20 minutes, or until white chocolate has set.

6 Once set, remove toffee from the refrigerator. Cut, using a sharp knife, or break into pieces as large or small as you want.

MAKE-AHEAD TIP: Store toffee in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.