While the origins of English Toffee are unclear, this sweet candy has become immensely popular around the world. Historically, it is assumed to have been created in the 19th century. The basic recipe once enjoyed in the old days has been enhanced over time as delectable varieties nuts, chocolate and vanilla emerged.
Name
In 1825, the Oxford English Dictionary contained the first mention of the word "toffee." While the origins of the word are unclear, there are many theories. The word may have come from 'tafia,' a West Indian rum made from molasses. It was often used to add flavor to candy. Another theory claims the word "toffee" means "a mixture of sugar and molasses" in the Creole language. Yet another theory asserts that the early spelling of "toffee," which was "toughy" or "tuffy," is very likely a reference to the candy's chewy toughness. It is believed that toffee first originated long before it showed up in the dictionary; however, nobody really knows exactly when.
Candy
In the early 19th century, slave labor drove down the price of sugar and treacle. Average consumers were able to buy the key ingredients of toffee in mass quantities. It is believed women were the pioneers in toffee-making, using the two ingredients to develop an affordable candy. It is also believed today's English toffee is the same, or very similar to the confection made in the early 19th century.
Basic Toffee
Basic English toffee is made by combining and boiling sugar and cream, adding butter and stirring the mixture until it thickens. It is then removed from the heat. Flavors, such as vanilla and almond, are then added to the mixture. Some confectioners like to add melted milk chocolate by pouring it over the toffee in a greased baking dish. It hardens as it cools and is cut into squares.
Varieties
There are many varieties of toffee because of the addition of flavors and chopped nuts that include walnuts, almonds, cashews and pecans. Candy chips, such as dark, milk and white chocolate chips are also popular. Lemon, coffee, peppermint and other flavorings were especially common in old-fashioned toffees. Marshmallows and oatmeal can uniquely enhance the texture and flavor of toffee.
Recipe
Celebrity chef Paula Deen recommends mixing 14 tbsp. of butter with 1 cup of sugar and 2 tbsp. of cold water over medium high heat. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring with a wooden spoon for about 10 minutes. Continue cooking until the mixture is very brittle. Add flavorings of choice and spread onto a prepared cookie sheet. When the toffee has cooled slightly, top the mixture liberally with a large bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips that will melt over the candy. After it has completely cooled, the candy is ready to be broken into pieces and stored.
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