California walnut brittle

Ingredients

1 lb. butter
2 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp. kosher salt
4 cups walnut pieces
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
1 lb. dark chocolate, melted

Directions

Combine butter, sugar, water and salt in a stainless steel pot. Cook slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture caramelizes. (It will begin to turn golden around the edge.) Stir in walnuts and vanilla. Spread mixture onto a baking sheet lined with a Silpat (a silicone baking mat) and spread as thinly as possible with a metal spatula. Spoon melted chocolate over the top. Let cool completely before breaking into pieces. Store in an airtight container at a cool room temperature.

Makes 1 sheet of brittle (about 9 by 11 inches)