Almond toffee

1 lb. of butter

1 lb. light brown sugar

32 ounces of sliced almonds

12 regular Hershey bars

Heat oven to 300 degrees to roast almonds in the pan

you will use for the candy.  I knead them to break

them up some and smooth them out in pan.  I roast

them while I am starting my candy for about 5-10 min.

After taking the pan out of the oven I take out of the

pan all but a thin layer of almonds and the rest go into

a bowl to add to the toffee topping…on top of the choc.

Bring butter and brown sugar to a boil (at this point I

add a handfull of almonds saved from the pan).  I cook

at medium high on an electric range/med. gas.  I use

the Taylor Thermometer and bring it to 283 degrees

removing immediately and pouring it over warm almonds

spreading evenly.  Quickly cover with the Hershey bars

and smooth out then add the rest of the almonds and

lightly press all with a potato masher.  After it cools

a little, I press with the potato masher again.  Let it

set for 24 hours before cutting into pieces.

The secret to this recipe is to “wash the pot” as it

is cooking by dipping a rubber spatula (Pampered Chef

preferred as it can tolerate high heat) into a cup of water

and washing down the sides of the pot frequently…this

keeps the sugar from crystalizing on the sides.

This all sounds difficult but if you have your candy

unwrapped and stacked beside the pan where your

candy will be poured…it will take about 30 minutes.

25 years and counting

On March 21, 1984 I was diagnosed with cancer.  Other than a blip and surgery again in 1988, I have been cancer free for 25 years.  Since I was diagnosed on my 37th birthday, I have a constant reminder of the many things I have to be grateful for.   Many people bemoan birthdays.  I am amazed and grateful for everyone that comes around.  I can’t believe I am 62.  I don’t know what it is supposed to feel like, but I feel great!  I can still work circles around 30 year olds.  My mind still functions (sometimes )

I would not recommend anyone go through the experience of cancer.  I believe it was the single incident that turned the course of my life around.  I don’t wait to be happy.  I have discovered that happiness comes in bits and pieces.  It comes every single day.  If I’m not in the moment…I miss it.

My sister told me today that I have a wicked sense of humor.  It is true and has probably kept me alive.  I said many times that first year…

If I die it will probably make a lot of people happy, I’m hanging around just to PISS THEM OFF!