[header] How to make english toffee [title] First heat the sugar water. [step] Pour the sugar, vanilla essence and the water into a large pot and heat to 235 fahrenheit (113 celsius), stirring constantly. The sugar water should be slightly stiff, if you put a spoon in the mixture and pull it out again, the mixture should draw into strands rather than dripping. 
[title] Stirring constantly, add the butter a little at a time. [step] If adding almonds, stir half of these in now.