Turning sugar into toffee or caramel seems a magical process, but it's one that must be closely monitored. You'll need a candy thermometer and read the recipe carefully as to what to do at certain temperatures. As for the chocolate, Ghirardelli is wonderful for candy-making, but if you can't find it or order it, substitute another fine chocolate.
By Ghirardelli
Source: Ghirardelli Chocolates
Yield: About 1 1/4 lbs.
Ingredients
8 oz. 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bar
¾ cup pecans, finely chopped
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 tbsps. water
1/8 tsp. salt (optional)
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Method
Heat oven to 350°F. Toast the chopped pecans on a baking sheet in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until fragrant.
With heavy-duty aluminum foil, form a 10-inch square shell with 1-inch high sides. Place the foil shell on a baking sheet, and set aside.
In a heavy saucepan, cook the butter, sugar, water, and salt over medium heat until the temperature reaches 305°F (hard-crack stage), stirring occasionally (watch closely after it reaches 290°F because the temperature will increase rapidly).
When the mixture becomes dark golden brown, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the foil shell. It will spread but may not reach the edges of the square.
Cool at room temperature for 45 minutes, or until hard. Melt the chocolate according to instructions on the side of package. Spread melted chocolate over the cooled toffee, and sprinkle with the pecans, pressing lightly to set pecans into the chocolate. Let set at room temperature 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set. Break toffee into pieces. Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 month.
© 2011 Ghirardelli Chocolate Company