Name: Barbara Schmidt
Class Year: 1969
Country of Residence: Ireland

Note: This recipe is not being entered in the competition, it is simply being shared for you all to enjoy!

Why is this recipe great? What’s its backstory? 

This is an old family recipe which for decades the family has made the weekend after Thanksgiving and gives as gifts for Christmas.  It could of course be made any time.  My 96-year-old father used to be the chief stirrer, then, like Jack Nicklaus, progressed to giving the first ceremonial stir, but now he sits and gets to taste the first piece.  For the last number of years I have been in Iowa for Thanksgiving and have been in charge of the project.  It is a labour of love.  We traditionally make 6 double batches which takes an entire day to make with many people helping out.  It takes another day to pack the toffee into lined Christmas tins.  And then there is the delivery.  I am giving the recipe for one double batch with US measurements and temperatures.  It is easiest if there are two people making it – and a lot more fun.  It is a crunchy “hard crack” toffee, delicious but making it is not for the faint-hearted.  Continue reading Schmidt Family Christmas Chocolate Almond Toffee →