Almond Roca

Almond Roca
1½ cups coarsely-chopped almonds
16 oz. light brown sugar
1 lb. butter
24 oz. milk chocoalte chips

Sprinkle ¾ cup coarsely chopped almonds onto the bottom of an 18x13 inch cookie sheet. Set aside.
In a 2 qt. sauce pan, combine sugar and butter over medium high heat while stirring frequently for several minutes unit bubbly and thick. Use a candy thermometer and cook until 290 degrees F. Watch carefully after 280 degrees F to prevent it from burning. Once it has reached 290 degrees F, remove from heat.
Pour candy evenly on top of the almonds in cookie sheet. Let stand for a few minutes.
Melt chocolate chips in microwave with 1 tsp. shortening or oil to help keep it smooth. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until melted and smooth.
Cover candy with layer of chocolate and sprinkle remaining almonds evenly over the top of chocolate layer.
Allow to set up, takes few hours. Place in the fridge to cool faster.
Once completely set up and hardened, break into pieces using a knife.
This recipe makes about 2 lbs of candy and is great for gifts!