Kokova Magazine

Some things in life are almost impossible, like trying to keep your eyes open when you sneeze, or not pull a face if you suck on a lemon?

Well try rushing a piece of English toffee and you may find it simply can't be done. Just like sinking into a deep bath at the end of a hard day, lingering over creamy English toffee can be a delicious time-out.

The 8th of January see the celebration of 'National English Toffee Day.' Explore this mouth-watering candy and have a fun time making some of your own.

So where did this mouth-watering confectionery come from? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, its origin is unknown. Described as a firm type of sweet that softens when sucked or chewed, toffee is generally made from caramelized sugar syrup and a generous helping of butter.

There have been claims that toffee links to 'tafia', a West Indian rum made from molasses, suggesting that the toffee was once made using the treacly syrup from the rum's distillation.

Traditional English toffee is left plain and totally unadorned but American-style English toffee includes coating the toffee with chocolate and topping it with chopped almonds.

Many varieties are now produced because of the addition of flavours and chopped nuts that include walnuts, cashews and pecans. Candy chips, such as dark, milk and white chocolate chips are also popular. Some manufacturers stir in hazelnuts and brazils or coat it in smooth, silky chocolate.

English-style toffee in the U.S. is the hard sheet of toffee many makers create and break into pieces. The toffee hammer, now widely available, is perfect for breaking a slab of English toffee into tempting bite-sized chunks.

In the late 1800s sugar and treacle became less expensive, making toffee more affordable and popular. Many people in the North of England began to hold toffee parties, getting together with friends to make slabs of this great family treat. Closely-guarded recipes have been handed down through the generations and plenty of these are now used by family-run businesses.

English toffee remains as popular as ever. Perfect for long car journeys, English toffee is a miniature personal indulgence or a great way to occupy your restless passengers. An American style English toffee has evolved and on 8 January the USA celebrate National English Toffee Day. Making English toffee isn't difficult but it does require some time and a watchful eye. The results however, are worth it.

Try our 'English Toffee' recipe