Can this pan be saved? Candy making gone bad edition.

[Violet2]

I made butter toffee for the first time ever today and didn't know what I was doing.

I managed to burn some of the toffee so I didn't pour all of it out of the pot--just the unburned section.

Well, the burned stuff has hardened to my pan like a barnacle. I've tried chipping it off, running hot water, soap etc...

Is my pan ruined? Any ideas on how to clean it????

My grandmother bought me this pan and she was a great cook and she died unexpectedly years ago. I'd like to keep it.

V

[FiveLittleMonkeys]

Have you tried putting water in it and bringing it to a boil? That usually works for me when I've burned something badly!! Hope you can salvage it.

[Quaniliaz]

Also try adding baking soda to the pan. Bring to a boil with the water, and that usually helps.

You have to stir the toffee the entire time you make it (at least that's what we do - do it on high and stir the whole time) it doesn't need to be cooked slowly like caramels do.

[Ruthla]

Have you tried soaking it for a while, like overnight? I've found that candy tends to dissolve in water, but it takes time for thick chunks to fully dissolve.

[Violet2]

Thank you --I will try to boil water with baking soda.

I did stir it constantly. The very bottom bit burned. I need a candy thermometer b/c the cold water didn't sizzle like the instructions said it would and I was guessing when it was done.

It does taste good though.

ETA: I wonder... if I wrapped the pot in aluminum foil and cooked that way--would that work well and protect the pan in the future???? B/c I need to make another batch!

V

[cristeen]

Burning indicates that either your heat was too high or your pan was too thin, or both.

But definitely try boiling the water in it. It'll take a while - let it simmer - but the sugar will eventually melt again.