easy microwave butter toffee

My husband is a HUGE fan of toffee.

For years, I have surprised him with homemade toffee from various sources - craft fairs, produce stands, fudge shops - but it's always so expensive that I have to keep those gifts few and far between.  On many occasions, I've wondered about the possibility of making it myself, but I tend to ruin any recipe that calls for a candy thermometer.  One of these days I'll figure it out...but this isn't the day.

So, you can imagine my utter glee when I found this recipe for a toffee that was both easy and made in the microwave!  I was thrilled, but I didn't tell anyone about it, still fully confident that I would manage to destroy it.

Well, looky here!

I DID IT!  This toffee is delicious, looks beautiful, and actually is easy!  \No more buying toffee for us!

Easy Microwave Butter Toffee
from Gooseberry Patch Christmas 10th Anniversary

• 1 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 2 T. water
• 1 T. dark corn syrup
• 1 t. vanilla
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup chopped walnuts

Line a 13"x9" baking pan with ungreased aluminum foil; set aside.

Place sugar, butter, water, and corn syrup in a large microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave on high setting for 4 minutes; stir.  Heat an additional 6 to 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until thickened and golden.  Add vanilla; stir well.  Pour into prepared baking pan.  Sprinkle chocolate chips over top; spread melted chocolate.  Sprinkle with walnuts.  Let cool completely; break into pieces.  Makes about one pound.