I once wrote that if doomsday was coming and there might not be a tomorrow, I would want some butter crunch before it all ended so I could at least die happy.
That's still my choice. I don't think there's a better candy, that gives that same salty-sweet combo better than butter crunch.
I love my original recipe, but recently someone asked me if I had a recipe that didn't include corn syrup.
I didn't at the time, but do now.
Here it is: crunchy, salty-sweet and tender chocolate on top.
Don't stint on the good stuff. This recipe is too good for cheap chocolate.
Valentine's Day, mishloach manot for Purim, doomsday, whatever. This is a good choice in (or for) any event.
Corn Syrup Free Butter Crunch
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped toasted almonds
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate, chopped
Lightly butter a small sheet cake pan (about 10”x7” or a portion of a larger pan). Place the butter, sugar and salt into a deep saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture starts to bubble. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is golden brown (about 7-8 minutes) (or until a candy thermometer reads 280 degrees). Quickly stir in the vanilla and nuts. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly to make a layer about 1/8”-1/4” thick. Immediately sprinkle the chocolate on top. Let it melt briefly, then use a spatula or the back of a large spoon to spread the chocolate evenly over the candy. Keep spreading until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Sprinkle the nuts on top and press them in lightly. Let cool until the chocolate is firm and set, at least 3 hours. Break into pieces.
Makes about 1 pound, enough for one person, or two if you want to share