Peppermint Almond Toffee

This is so addicting and dangerous to have around the house...I am trying to lose weight, and this is not helping me! 

1 cup unblanched (skin on) whole almonds

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 (12 oz.) package milk chocolate chips (2 cups)
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans

1. Toast almonds by spreading them in a single layer on a plate and microwaving on high for 2-3 minutes (stir after each minute).

2. On foil-lined baking sheet, arrange almonds in a single layer over an area measuring approx. 13x9 inches.

3. In a heavy 2-quart saucepan combine butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt.  Cook over med-high heat, stirring constantly with a clean, dry wooden spoon till butter is melted. Continue cooking and stirring for approx. 7-10 min. till candy is the color of the brown skin of the almonds; it will start smoking slightly. Immediately pour candy, without scraping pan, over almonds, covering all nuts.  Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot candy.  Wait 1 minute and spread the melted chocolate until it is smooth.  Sprinkle with pecans.  Let cool and break into pieces.  Store in a tightly covered container in cool place or refrigerator and as always, enjoy! (Just not too much!)