It was only made for the Christmas holidays, one batch for our family and another for special friends of the family. The recipe was NOT to be given to anyone. (Mother did say however, that should someone manage to get a copy, they would not be able to make the toffee taste the same ... because she always left one key ingredient out!)

Early in December, Mother would begin blanching and roasting the almonds. My father, sister and I would chop them by hand. Some of the blanched almonds were ground up to sprinkle over the top, and then the actual candy making would begin. 

My father, Dolph, would stir, a forty-five minute procedure from start to finish. Only mother knew when it was time to pour and spread it. The chocolate was then spread on top followed by ground almonds. Then it was put into decorated bags and delivered.

When I started my family, we carried on the tradition. My children helped ... chopping the almonds and helping me stir and spread each batch.  We then delivered it, adding family doctors and teachers to our candy gift list. My list grew when I discovered that no one wanted to share their bag of toffee with anyone ... even going so far as hiding it from their nurses, spouses, and children.

One year I sold the toffee at a Holiday Gift Show at the suggestion of a friend ... and the rest is history.  Thirteen years later, I still make the candy by hand, using the original recipe ... in loving memory of my Mother.