Aunt Helene's Toffee
I thought I was done with the whole cookie plate thang, but then I made a casual comment to my mom that I missed having toffee at Christmas this year. Mom spoke to my Aunt Helene, the designated toffee maker in our clan, and then a few days later I found myself standing over a hot stove with Aunt Helene, learning all about her toffee. This recipe isn't fancy or elegant, but it's a childhood favorite of mine.
Aunt Helene's Toffee
- 1 c. butter
- 1 c. brown sugar
- 1/2 c. chopped pecans or walnuts
- Some, um, chocolate chips. I don't know how many, but less than a standard bag
Lightly grease an 8x8 pan, then sprinkle a tablespoon or two of nuts evenly across the bottom of the pan.
Heat butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, until the temperature reaches a soft crack (270 degrees). Helene says this takes 15 minutes. Stir in all except 1-2 tablespoons of the nuts, then pour into the pan. Let the candy rest for one to two minutes, then evenly sprinkle chocolate chips over the surface until most of the toffee is lightly covered. Wait until the chocolate has melted, then smooth with a spatula and sprinkle with reserved nuts. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Oh man, dat Numbah One Day of Xmas post below....it just brought this HUGE smile on my face when I saw it! It's been way too long (eh, 1 1/2 years) since I've been away from a visit back home.
Regarding your question on the ha'uke'uke---my dad gathered them at Barking Sands (south end) and Princeville Cliffs (north end) many, many moons ago. I think if you go now they are just difficult to find or only the little ones are left as there's always someone picking them up. I wasn't aware that you could eat the non-poisonous spiny ones like here in Italy. I guess for the fact that ha'uke'uke were much more easier to handle, the spiny ones got passed over!
Rowena, a lot of the seafood and limu is like that these days. The only time I've actually seen `opihi and ha`uke`uke (at least that's what I think they were) was during a visit to Kalaupapa, Molokai, where it is kapu for people to go without a special permit.