COFFEE PECAN TOFFEE

Steps:

• Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil, extending excess over edges of pan.
• Set pan aside.
• Butter the sides of a heavy 3-quart saucepan.
• Melt the 2 cups butter in saucepan.
• Add sugar, 1/3 cup water, molasses, and 1 tablespoon espresso powder.
• Cook and stir over medium-high heat until mixture boils.
• Clip a candy thermometer to side of pan.
• Reduce heat to medium; continue boiling at a moderate steady rate, stirring frequently, until thermometer registers 290 degree F.
• ,soft-crack stage (about 25 minutes).
• Watch carefully after 280 degree F to prevent scorching.
• Remove saucepan from heat; remove thermometer.
• Stir in vanilla.
• Pour candy into the prepared pan.
• Let candy stand about 1 hour or until firm.
• Use foil to lift candy out of pan.
• Break candy into pieces that are about 2 inches in size.
• Melt the 3 tablespoons butter in a heavy medium saucepan.
• Stir in the 1 teaspoon espresso powder till dissolved.
• Add chocolate pieces and melt over low heat, stirring often.
• Place pecans in a shallow dish or on waxed paper.
• Dip half of each candy piece into melted chocolate mixture, coating all sides.
• Place dipped candy on waxed paper.
• Sprinkle with pecans.
• Chill until chocolate is firm.
• Store in a tightly covered container.
• Makes about 2-3/4 pounds (about 48 piecies).
• Give a Gift: With old-fashioned chocolate-dipped Coffee-Pecan Toffee.
• Package the pieces in a cone-shaped paper container.
• Simply lay squares of parchment paper, textured gold paper, and wire mesh atop one another, then roll and twist into a cone.
• Tie the outside of the cone with ribbon and secure the candies inside with cellophane.