RECIPE

Plot Toffee

Serves eight to 10

Recipe

4oz /110g golden syrup

4oz /110g black treacle

8oz /225g soft brown dark sugar

4oz /110g unsalted butter

1/2tsp cream of tartar .

Method

1. Line a 6'' x 8''/30cm x 20cm lipped baking tray with non-stick parchment baking paper.

2. Measure all the ingredients into a deep sauce pan.

3. Place over a low heat, stirring occasionally so that the butter and sugars dissolve. Be patient.

4. When the mixture has melted and looks smooth and well combined, increase the heat and bring to a hard fast boil ensuring you continuously stir to prevent burning. The mixture must reach 140C / 285F and will bubble and foam, this is due to the water in the butter.

5. It can take around four minutes for the water to boil off and the mixture to collapse and thicken, this is when to remove from the heat. If you don't have a thermometer don't worry, simply drop a little syrup into a jug of cold water, if it solidifies into threads as it hits the water it's ready.

6. Once removed from the water, the threads should be slightly flexible and not brittle as the toffee continues to cook for a while.

7. Pour carefully into the prepared baking tray on a flat surface.

8. If you want even pieces, wait 15 minutes until the toffee is cool enough to cut with an oiled knife, so when set it will break along the lines. Alternatively let the toffee cool completely, then break into shards with a toffee hammer or rolling pin.

9. Store in an airtight tin or container, with parchment paper separating with layers. Note: If exposed to the humidity, your toffee will soften and stick together.

Baker Mike's Plot Toffee tips

* Always prepare and line your baking tray first thing.

* The simplest and best way to measure syrups and make toffee is in the sauce pan, tearing each weight to zero every time.

* Try and use top branded butter which will have less water in it with better flavours.

* Wash or soak your sauce pan at once as the toffee will set solid fast.

* And finally, watch your fillings – you have been warned!