Amanda’s Matzah Toffee Crunch

March 20, 2019

For the seven days of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Jewish people forgo all chametz (leaven)—just like their ancestors did when God delivered the Children of Israel from slave master Pharaoh. With bread, cake, pastry, pasta and even rice off limits for a week, matzah becomes a daily staple. Over generations the Jewish people have perfected the art of turning the humble unleavened flatbread into all kinds of culinary delights. Delicious chametz-free delicacies range from crispy French toast for breakfast, savory matzah brei for brunch and matzah lasagna for dinner. One of the most delectable Passover indulgences is Matzah Toffee Crunch. This sweet treat is the ideal marriage of textures and tastes. From the satisfying snap of the flatbread to the buttery crunch of the toffee and the creamy caress of chocolate, this goes perfectly with coffee or as a Passover desert.

Ingredients

4 salted matzah sheets

1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar or date sugar

¾ cup (80 g) butter

½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract

1 ½ cups (260 g) dark chocolate chips

Toppings: ½ cup (65 g) chopped pistachios & ½ cup (65 g) dried cranberries or 1 cup (120 g) chopped almonds, pecans or hazelnuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit (180° Celsius).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cover the bottom of the baking sheet with a single layer of matzah, cutting them to fit as needed.
3. In a medium saucepan, bring sugar and butter to a boil. Boil over medium heat for three minutes.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Pour toffee mixture over the matzah sheets and spread to cover the matzah to the edges.
6. Bake the toffee-covered matzos for 10 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee mixture. Allow the chocolate chips to stand for a few minutes to melt. Use a metal spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate evenly over the toffee layer.
8. Sprinkle your preferred topping over the melted chocolate.
9. Refrigerate for 45 minutes or until firm.
10. Cut into pieces and enjoy!

Serves 4

Photo Credit: Michio Nagata/bridgesforpeace.com