Nut clusters with chunks of creamy toffee

Components:

1. One cup of unsalted butter, or roughly two sticks
2. One cup of packed light brown sugar
3. Two teaspoons of heavy cream
4. Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract
5. 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups chopped or whole mixed nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds
6. Half a cup of handmade or store-bought toffee bits
7. Half a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, if desired
8. 1/4 cup of chopped white chocolate (for drizzling, if desired)

Directions:

Get a baking sheet ready:

• Use silicone baking mats or parchment paper to line a baking pan. Put aside.
• To make the toffee, melt the butter in a medium pot over a medium heat.
• Add the salt, heavy cream, and brown sugar when it has melted. Stir constantly to blend.
• Stirring continuously, bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for three to four minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved and it thickens.
• After turning off the heat, add the vanilla essence and whisk.

Put the clusters together:
Mix the toffee mixture thoroughly with the chopped mixed nuts and toffee bits.
Spoon small clusters of the toffee-nut mixture onto the baking sheet that has been prepared.
For an added touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate (white or semi-sweet) over the clusters if you’d like.

Cool the clusters: Place the clusters in the refrigerator for faster cooling, or let them cool fully at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes.

Serve and savor:
Break the clusters apart and serve the toffee after it has set and stiffened. For up to a week, these should be kept at room temperature in an airtight container.

Possible Modifications:
Add dried fruits: For a tart contrast, you can add dried cherries, raisins, or cranberries.
Spices: To give the toffee mixture a warm, spicy taste, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Additional chocolate: For a chocolate-covered variation, you can dip the entire cluster in melted chocolate.

Sweet, crisp, and luscious, these Creamy Toffee Chunks and Nut Clusters are ideal for the holidays or anytime you want to indulge your sweet appetite!