During an interview, I once heard Michael Pollan say, “Eat junk food- just make it yourself!” Here is a great opportunity to make and enjoy candy in it’s purest, old-fashioned form. Sticky, flavorful toffee with only four ingredients!

This recipe comes from my friend, Maris’ family Christmas traditions. I first tasted this homemade toffee while living with Maris in Banff, Alberta over twenty years ago. She had made a big batch of toffee and offered me a few pieces. I had never tasted homemade toffee! It was so delicious, sweet and smooth that I just couldn’t help myself and kept sneaking to the refrigerator to steal a few more pieces. Of course I had to get Maris’ recipe and since then have incorporated toffee-making as one of my own holiday traditions. These are wonderful to add to gift bags or brought along to potlucks where a handmade candy treat would be savored and appreciated!

Toffee

4 cups brown sugar

1 cup syrup (such as Roger’s)

1 cup Eagle Brand condensed milk

1 cup butter

Melt butter in a large pot then add the remaining ingredients, mixing well. Bring to a boil then lower the heat and continue to boil slowly for 30 minutes. Pour into a shallow 9″ x 11″ baking dish lined with parchment paper. Allow toffee to cool to room temperature then place in the refrigerator for at least an hour or two. While still cold, cut into bite-sized pieces and wrap in wax paper or colorful candy foils (the ones lined with parchment paper). Keep refrigerated until ready to eat or give away. Enjoy!