Mock Heath Bars

Do not misread that and think I said "Health Bars".   This is anything but that.    Easy to make and so good.   This is not a recipe to make with small children.   It gets very, very hot!  If they want to help, let them help dip it in chocolate.

MOCK HEATH BARS

(makes 35-40 mini bars)

Ingredients:

*1-1/2 pounds merkins chocolate

*2 cups, butter

*2 2/3 cups granulated sugar

*1/3 cup water

*1/4 cup light corn syrup

*1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:

~Butter a cookie sheet (large if you like your candy thin, small if you like it thick).

~Cut butter into small pieces.

~In a large heavy saucepan, over medium heat, cook butter, sugar, water & corn syrup.

~Stir until the butter is melted.

~Insert a candy thermometer (make sure it doesn't touch the bottom of your pan).

~With a wooden spoon, continuously stir mixture.

~Cook & stir until the mixture reaches the "Hard Crack" level on your thermometer (between 290-300 degrees).  It will turn a dark  golden amber color.  Do not let it get over 300 degrees or it will burn.

~Very carefully, pour hot mixture into the cookie sheet. 

~You may need to use a spatula to spread out toffee to the edges of the cookie sheet.

~Allow the toffee to set for 3-15 minutes (depending on what size cookie sheet you use).

~Rub butter on a sharp knife and score toffee into serving pieces.

(If the toffee fills your cuts, then it's still to hot).
~Once scored, cool the toffee completely.
~When cooled, break apart at the scored lines.
~Melt the merkins chocolate in a double boiler over low heat, stirring every once in a while (do not let the water boil or it will ruin the chocolate).
~Dip toffee bars into chocolate and completely coat toffee.
~Place on a sheet of wax paper.
~Sprinkle chopped nuts over top of candy bar if desired.
~Let chocolate set.
~Once set, drizzle remaining melted chocolate over candy bar to make it look fancier, if desired.