Easter 2011 - Lunch and Cookie Decorating!

I wasn't raised in a religious family. And as much as I am aware that this will offend people, celebrating Easter really isn't much more than a commercial holiday to me - and I love to have an excuse to buy brightly colored decorations and get my family together!

Sale - Rosanna Inc Tableware

I love Rosanna's tableware.  Everything is gorgeous - and I love it even more when it's on sale!  Rosanna Inc hosts a bi-annual warehouse sale in Seattle if you're in the area, it's awesome!  I have managed to always leave with a trunk full of fun stuff, some for gifts, but most of it I keep!  My SO thinks I am crazy.  He hates going to the sample sale with me because it's an insane amount of people crammed into a tiny warehouse, shuffling around with glass and ceramics.  And mostly women. There is nothing at this sale to hold his interest, but he's a sweetheart and he will hold my extra heavy boxes and help me lug them out to the car!

But today, I will spare him.  He doesn't have to go, he doesn't even have to lift a heavy box, for at least a week, maybe two.  Today only, Rue La La is having a Rosanna Sample Sale! 

Recipe - Monica's Dark Chocolate Pecan Toffee

Monica's Dark Chocolate Pecan Toffee

Recipe - Monica's Coconut Macadamia Toffee

Monica's Coconut Macadamia Toffee

Recipe - Monica's Rocky Road Toffee

Monica's Rocky Road Toffee

Recipe - Monica's Butter Toffee

Last Christmas I decided to try making toffee. My first attempt was using a recipe I found online and I failed miserably! After stirring the mixture constantly for about 45 minutes, I ended up with a sheet of wet burnt sugar and oil.  I felt discouraged, and didn't think I would ever be able to pull it off.   I learned that the separation of the sugar and oil is caused from several different factors.  If you don't stir enough, or if you stir too much.  Also if the temperature of the toffee is changed too drastically, like by pouring it on to a cold metal sheet pan, which is likely the mistake I made.  I started researching different techniques and after a couple of failed attempts, I finally came up with this version.  It's easy to do, no constant stirring, and so far, I haven't had the butter separation problem!

Monica's Butter Toffee

Pictures from L to R, Coconut Macadamia, Rocky Road, Dark Chocolate Pecan