Christmas Gifts from my Kitchen

I enjoy giving gifts from my kitchen at Christmastime, and this year's first tin of English toffee was made yesterday.  

English Toffee

1 cup butter [2 sticks]

1 cup sugar

Dash of salt

2 teaspoons water

1 teaspoon vanilla

8 oz. milk chocolate candy wafers [I use Merckens]
1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds

Melt chocolate in double boiler.  Set aside.

Melt butter in large heavy saucepan on low heat.  Gradually add sugar, salt, and water. Increase heat, and stir constantly until mixture reaches the hard-crack stage [300 degrees on candy thermometer].  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.  Spread on a large cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  

When toffee begins to set, spread melted chocolate evenly over entire surface.  Sprinkle with chopped nuts.  Allow to set until chocolate has hardened.  Break into pieces and store in container or tin.