Almond roca is a bark-type candy with two layers. The first layer is similar to a brittle, with almonds stirred in. The second layer is melted chocolate with more almonds. Almond roca can be made at home on the stove top. It is not difficult or expensive to make, but it does require 20 to 30 minutes of constant stirring on the stove. Homemade almond roca makes a wonderful holiday gift.
Instructions
1. Line a jelly-roll pan with aluminum foil. Be sure the foil covers the bottom and sides of the pan. Grease the foil with butter or spray with cooking spray. Set aside while you prepare the candy.
2. Put the butter, sugar and corn syrup into a 4 qt. saucepan. Insert the candy thermometer if you are using one. Place over medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon. When the mixture boils, continue cooking and stirring for five minutes.
3. Add the whole almonds to the saucepan and continue cooking and stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a temperature of 290 degrees F, another 15 to 20 minutes. If you are not using a candy thermometer, watch for the mixture to turn a golden brown, similar to the color of a brown paper bag.
4. Take the saucepan off the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and use the back of the wooden spoon to spread it into an even layer. Let the mixture cool on the counter for 15 to 20 minutes, until it starts to harden and set up.
6. Put the chocolate chips into the microwave-safe bowl and microwave at 50 percent power for 30 seconds. Stir the melting chocolate. Continue microwaving at 50 percent power in 30-second increments, stirring after each microwave session, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
7. Pour the chocolate over the hardening candy mixture in the pan; use a rubber spatula to smooth the chocolate into an even layer.
8. Sprinkle the melted chocolate with the chopped almonds.
9. Allow the almond roca to completely cool and harden. Turn the candy out of the pan, peel off the foil and break into pieces.
Tags: candy thermometer, chocolate with, continue cooking, continue cooking stirring, cooking stirring
